The Run-Through with Vogue

Episode: Kristin Scott Thomas Calls Erdem With Her Fashion Emergencies
Release Date: February 24, 2026
Guests: Kristin Scott Thomas (actress), Erdem Moralıoğlu (designer)
Hosts: Chloe Malle, Chioma Nnadi

Episode Overview

This episode offers an intimate conversation between acclaimed actress Kristin Scott Thomas and celebrated designer Erdem Moralıoğlu, with Vogue hosts Chloe Malle and Chioma Nnadi. Exploring their creative partnership, the duo reflects on two decades of friendship, sartorial collaboration, and memorable fashion moments—from damehood at the palace to spontaneous "fashion emergencies." Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at inspiration, the realities of couture, and the evolving meaning of style across both personal lives and public events.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Erdem's 20th Anniversary & The “Imaginary Conversation” Show

• Theme and Concept:

  • Erdem shares his discomfort with the word “retrospective,” preferring a more dynamic approach to marking his 20-year milestone.
  • The latest show was conceived as an "imaginary conversation" among muses—Radclyffe Hall, Duke Ellington, Deborah Mitford, Marion North—bringing voices across time into imagined dialogue.
  • Quote: “I love this idea of this almost like this imaginary impossible conversation…” (Erdem, 01:06)

• Behind the Scenes:

  • The show’s creation was informed by the writing of Erdem’s recent book (notably non-chronological) and aimed to embody the messy, creative “space between my ears.” (02:09)

2. Kristin and Erdem’s Relationship: From Damehood to Weddings

• First Meeting:

  • Kristin needed an outfit for her damehood ceremony, leading to her first visit to Erdem’s studio—above a popcorn-scented cinema with her young son in tow (03:12).
  • Quote: “You made me something beautiful to wear to the palace.” (Kristin, 03:12)

• Evolution of Friendship and Collaboration:

  • Over the years, Erdem has dressed Kristin for milestone events including the Met Gala and her wedding celebration.
  • Fashion Emergencies:
    • Kristin jokes about last-minute requests: "Emergency calls. Emergency calls. I need something for tomorrow." (05:43)
    • Everyday moments—like seeing friends in his clothes—bring Erdem the most excitement (07:06).

3. The Joy and Responsibility of Dressing Icons

• Tailoring to Life’s Moments:

  • Erdem acknowledges the honor and pressure of dressing loved ones for significant occasions.
  • However, the real thrill is in garments being chosen for “real world” wear: “In truth, actually, that’s the most thrilling thing.” (Erdem, 06:27)
  • Kristin agrees, noting there's “something magical and poetic” about Erdem’s designs, which remain accessible through simple forms (Kristin, 02:19).

• On the Psychology of Dressing:

  • Erdem describes the transformative effect of wearing his designs: “There’s this kind of extraordinary moment when someone has zipped in something… They feel like a more beautiful version of themselves.” (Erdem, 07:29)

4. The Legendary Nail Polish Incident at the Met Gala (08:45)

• Storytelling Gold:

  • Kristin recounts a backstage near-disaster: a jittery assistant drops a silver nail polish bottle onto her gown moments before the event.
  • With luck, the stain is hidden by a fold in the fabric—averting what could have been a nightmare.
  • Quote: “The remaining bit of silver nail polish was just in one of the beautiful little folds. So it got hid by a shadow. Oh, thank goodness.” (Kristin, 10:21)

• Segue to the Gala Night:

  • Their night at the Met was capped by a front-row “Like a Prayer” Madonna performance, which left Erdem blissed out (11:24).

5. Celebrating with Ruthie Rogers of the River Cafe (12:26)

• Ruthie, a close friend, chef, and founder of the River Cafe, is organizing an intimate dinner to celebrate Erdem’s 20th anniversary.
• Both guests share admiration for Ruthie’s ability to connect people and her omnivorous engagement with the arts.

6. Charli XCX’s Pink Wuthering Heights Gown (14:41)

• Erdem shares anecdotes about creating a striking pink bridal gown and gothic veil for Charli XCX—melding references across collections and embodying the drama of the Brontëan narrative.
• He reflects on his eclectic inspiration: "The woman that I designed for is somewhere, somewhere in between those two extraordinary women and everyone." (Erdem, 16:43)

7. Reminiscing About the First Show (17:34)

• DIY Roots:
  • In 2006, with little budget, Erdem and his husband Philip (an architect) hand-painted thrifted shoes black for the runway (17:43).
  • The debut collection (“inspired by George Sand”) sold first to Barneys New York before London, highlighting shifting centers of fashion influence (19:57).

8. Creative Motives: Childhood and Early Inspirations (20:20)

• Erdem remembers being “a strange child,” drawing women, designing for Barbie, and being fascinated by feminine codes thanks to his twin sister (20:23).

  • Quote: “From a very early age I was really preoccupied by how women dressed, how they looked, how they moved.” (Erdem, 20:49)

• Kristin recalls her own playful origins as an actress—copying friends while playing, and her “disaster at school” leading her to the stage (22:07).

9. Costume and Character: Clothing as Transformation

• Kristin unpacks the critical role costumes play in her acting, especially in period films.
  • “When you start building the character, basically when you find the costume, you’re looking for the character as well.” (Kristin, 25:41)
  • Vivid anecdote: Catherine Deneuve recognized Kristin’s pallor from period corsets, underscoring the physical toll and authenticity of historical wardrobe (26:33).

10. Erdem’s Creative Process and Team (28:21; 30:20)

• Favorite part of designing: the rush at both the collection’s “blank page” inception and the fleeting backstage moment before a show (28:44).

  • Quote: “There’s this fleeting moment where this kind of idea, this kind of manifesto is alive and on someone.” (Erdem, 29:36)

• Breaks down pattern cutting and fit: the technical, collaborative, and iterative nature of couture from sketch to drape to finished garment (31:17).

11. On Fashion’s Evolution: Everything Has Changed / Nothing Has Changed (33:16)

• Erdem reflects on industry change: from no online shopping to the Instagram era—even as his creative core and continuity of language remains unchanged (33:17).

12. Kristin’s Upcoming Projects (34:35)

• Shares that the TV series "Slow Horses" is ongoing, her film "My Mother’s Wedding" (with Scarlett Johansson and Sienna Miller) is upcoming in April, and she will perform in "The Cherry Orchard" in October (34:40).

  • Quote: “[Stage is] a completely different set of muscles... requires a big engine. So you have to keep that engine really sort of tuned up.” (Kristin, 36:04)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

Friendship & Artistic Support

• Kristin on Erdem’s Support:
  • “It is the symbol of me deciding to marry this wonderful man and this wonderful man accepting me in that dress.” (05:06)

The Met Gala Nail Polish Fiasco

• Kristin: “I still get a sort of lurch when I think about that. Oof.” (08:52)
• Erdem: “A wet wipe, which was a disaster. No, no, no, no, no, Honestly.” (10:18)

Madonna at the Met

• Erdem: “Like a prayer, Madonna mega moment. And we were just, like, in the front row of a concert.” (11:35)

On Their Craft

• Erdem: “What is it that happens in someone’s brain that... they feel like a more beautiful version of themselves?” (07:29)
• Kristin: “When you start building the character, basically when you find the costume, you’re looking for the character as well.” (25:41)

Noteworthy Timestamps

• [01:06] – Erdem on the “imaginary conversation” show concept
• [03:12] – Kristin & Erdem recall their first meeting
• [05:43] – Kristin’s “emergency calls” for last-minute dresses
• [08:45] – The infamous nail polish spill before the Met
• [11:24] – Madonna’s legendary performance at the Met Gala
• [14:41] – Charli XCX’s pink Wuthering Heights gown
• [17:43] – Erdem recounts his first fashion show in 2006
• [20:23] – Childhood inspirations for both Erdem and Kristin
• [25:41] – Kristin on costumes and character formation
• [28:44] – Erdem’s creative highs and process
• [30:20] – Pattern cutting and atelier behind the scenes
• [33:16] – Reflections on what has (and hasn’t) changed in fashion
• [34:40] – Kristin’s upcoming roles and projects

Closing Thoughts

This episode shines as a celebration of creative partnerships, the joys and dramas of fashion, and the emotional arcs that garments—and friendships—can witness. Both Kristin Scott Thomas and Erdem reveal how deeply personal style intersects with career milestones, memory, and art, making for a delightful listen for fashion fans and anyone interested in the magic behind the scenes.