In-Depth Summary of "How We Got Our Jobs At Vogue and More... We (Finally) Answer Your Questions!"

The Run-Through with Vogue released its highly anticipated episode, "How We Got Our Jobs At Vogue and More... We (Finally) Answer Your Questions!" on January 23, 2025. Hosted by Chioma Nnadi (Choma Menardi) and Chloe Mel, the episode delves into personal career journeys at Vogue, recent fashion news, and addresses a myriad of listener questions. Featuring insights from colleagues Nicole Phelps and Jose Criatas Unzueta, the episode offers a comprehensive look into the vibrant world of Vogue and the broader fashion industry.

1. News of the Week: Inauguration and Fashion

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the recent U.S. inauguration, focusing on the interplay between politics and fashion. Choma shares her perspective on the new political climate:

Choma Menardi [01:17]: "I think it feels like we're entering a completely different political climate... it was really sad."

Chloe highlights Vogue's coverage of the inauguration, emphasizing how fashion conveys deeper societal messages:

Chloe Mel [03:05]: "There have been across different publications, some really interesting, thoughtful analyses of what first lady Melania Trump wore..."

The hosts examine the challenges faced by smaller designers when their creations are worn by high-profile figures without direct collaboration. Choma touches on this dilemma:

Choma Menardi [04:31]: "What do you do as a small brand if Usha Vance purchases a piece of your clothing and wears it...?"

Notable moments include Lauren Sanchez's avant-garde outfit and Ivanka Trump's Givenchy dress, sparking conversations about designer authenticity:

Chloe Mel [06:13]: "She was wearing a new spin on suffragette white... really like, inauguration dress codes are not for me and I'm going to wear this."

2. Reflecting on the Inauguration's Impact

Choma expresses concerns over the inauguration's retro, old Hollywood glamour aesthetic, associating it with outdated societal values:

Choma Menardi [08:13]: "It's bringing back all these old world values... I find it quite scary."

Conversely, they acknowledge uplifting moments, such as Bishop Marianne Budd's impactful speech advocating for mercy and compassion:

Choma Menardi [10:12]: "She just kind of really... reminded him... that there are a lot of people who... they're going to massively disrupt and hurt them."

3. Prince Harry and Rupert Murdoch's Newspapers Settlement

Chloe brings up the recent settlement between Prince Harry and Rupert Murdoch's newspapers over a phone-tapping scandal. Choma adds context regarding its coverage:

Choma Menardi [11:59]: "I don't feel like the tabloids are really going deep on it because they have completely turned against Harry and Meghan."

4. Upcoming Events and Schedule Insights

Choma shares her excitement for Men's Fashion Month, highlighting Pharrell's innovative show at the Louvre and upcoming couture collections from Schiaparelli and Valentino:

Choma Menardi [13:14]: "I'm headed to the couture shows on Sunday, so I'll see Schiaparelli first thing in the morning and then Dior."

Nicole Phelps reminisces about her interview with iconic designer Bob Mackie:

Chola Mel [15:14]: "I interviewed the adorable Bob Mackie... he really just sort of leaned into. He invented the naked dress for cheetahs."

5. How We Got Our Jobs at Vogue

Listener Serena inquires about the hosts' journeys to Vogue. Choma and Jose, joined by Nicole, share their experiences:

Jose Criatas Unzueta recounts his transition from Elle to Style.com and eventually Vogue:

Jose Criatas Unzueta [17:27]: "I was writing Fashion News... when Conde Nast decided to try to make style.com an e-commerce site, the archive... came over onto vogue.com."

Choma Menardi narrates her move from the UK to the US, starting at Trace, then The Fader, and leveraging connections to join Vogue:

Choma Menardi [21:27]: "I wrote a letter to the editor of Trace... then I cold called him and got offered a job."

Chloe Mel shares her path from the New York Observer to Vogue, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities:

Chloe Mel [23:21]: "Whenever young people ask me about how to get into fashion or media, my biggest piece of advice is always take the meeting."

6. Daily Routines and Work-Life Balance

The hosts provide a glimpse into their daily lives, balancing demanding careers with personal responsibilities.

Jose details his early mornings preparing breakfast for his son and striving for ample sleep:

Jose Criatas Unzueta [26:33]: "I've been setting my alarm a little bit earlier... trying to go to bed earlier to get those full eight hours."

Choma discusses her focus on sleep, bone broth mornings, and managing a late-night schedule:

Choma Menardi [28:50]: "I try to go to bed... remember my deep sleep moments happen before midnight."

Chloe describes her active mornings with boxing and Pilates, followed by a hectic family routine:

Chloe Mel [30:10]: "I wake up at 5:30... ran to my boxing gym... have kids to get ready and out the door by 9am."

7. Listener Questions and Advice

a. Recognizing Writing Talent and Influential Writers

The hosts discuss their realization of their writing abilities and the authors who influenced them.

Choma Menardi [37:00]: "I don't even like to call myself a writer."

Chloe Mel [34:30]: "Harriet the Spy was really just a good journalist... that's what party reporting was 20 years later."

b. Spotting Up-and-Coming Designers

Nicole emphasizes the importance of authenticity and a unique point of view when identifying emerging talent.

Nicole Phelps [38:23]: "What you tend to find is... a really seriously singular point of view... it's authentic to them."

c. Advice for Mature Brides on Wedding Attire

Chloe and Choma offer guidance for brides seeking chic, age-appropriate wedding attire, suggesting ready-to-wear options over traditional bridal conventions.

Chloe Mel [41:17]: "Barbara Guggenheim's story... she wore an off the shoulder addersy suit... very elegant and beautiful."

Choma Menardi [43:25]: "Don't go to bridal. Look at ready-to-wear first..."

d. Vogue Staff Fashion – High-End vs. Casual

The discussion highlights the blend of high-end and casual styles among Vogue staff, emphasizing creativity and personal expression over strict fashion rules.

Choma Menardi [43:53]: "It's much more about how you style things... I got very creative."

Chloe Mel [45:42]: "I couldn't make a decision about my wardrobe, but now we are appreciated for showing our style."

e. New Era in Fashion with Designers Like Mathieu Blase and Sarah Burton

Choma and Chloe analyze the shifts in fashion brought about by both veteran designers and rising talents, predicting a new mood in upcoming seasons.

Choma Menardi [46:39]: "We're going to see a different mood in the next year... a real shift in the way we dress."

f. Overcoming Conformist Attitudes in Fashion

Nicole and Choma discuss the role of the internet and individual inspiration in combating fashion conformity, attributing the sameness to shared digital influences and personal engagement.

Nicole Phelps [49:33]: "The algorithm is like the easiest thing to sort of like blame..."

Choma Menardi [50:26]: "What inspires you to get dressed every day?... it's you."

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with gratitude towards the listeners for their engaging questions and a promise for more interactive episodes in the future. The hosts encourage continued participation and express enthusiasm for upcoming discussions.

Choma Menardi [51:02]: "Thank you so much for stopping by."

Chloe Mel [51:02]: "Thank you to everyone who sent us questions... We will definitely do another one of these episodes again."

This episode of The Run-Through with Vogue offers a heartfelt and insightful exploration of the hosts' personal journeys within Vogue, the intricate relationship between fashion and current events, and practical advice for aspiring fashion professionals and enthusiasts alike. By addressing listener questions with authenticity and expertise, Choma, Chloe, Nicole, and Jose provide valuable perspectives on navigating the dynamic world of fashion journalism and design.