Podcast Summary: "Laufey Wearing Bode On Tour Is Our Dream Collab"

Introduction to the Episode

In the August 14, 2025, episode of The Run-Through with Vogue, hosts Chioma Nnadi, head of British Vogue, and Chloe Mel, editor of Vogue.com, delve into an engaging conversation featuring the multifaceted Icelandic-Chinese artist, Laufey. This episode highlights Laufey's unique blend of genres, her upcoming tour collaboration with designer Bode, and offers an intimate look into her musical journey and personal life.

Introducing Laufey: A Genre-Defying Artist

Chloe Mel kicks off the episode by expressing her excitement about Lautey, describing her as "the Icelandic, Chinese pop, jazz, super blender of different genres" (00:36). Laufey's ability to defy traditional categorization is emphasized, showcasing her roots in classical music influenced by her classical musician mother and her diverse interests ranging from TikTok fame to traditional jazz and pop.

Irene Kim's Experience with Laufey

Irene Kim, Vogue’s director of Vogue Runway and a close friend of Laufey, shares a heartfelt anecdote about attending Laufey's concert at the Royal Albert Hall (01:45). She recounts the electrifying atmosphere and Laufey's powerful performance, highlighting Laufey's ability to evoke deep emotions among her fans. Irene describes meeting Laufey and her identical twin sister backstage, noting, "Gabby literally lost her mind. Started crying" (03:13), showcasing the profound connection between Laufey and her audience.

Laufey's Musical Influences and Style

Chloe and Irene discuss Laufey's throwback musical style, comparing her vocals to legends like Norah Jones and Oscar Peterson (03:57). Laufey’s passion for romantic and classical music is evident, with Chloe noting Laufey’s admiration for artists like Ella Fitzgerald and her desire to duet with iconic figures from the past (04:11). Laufey's twin, who directs her music videos, plays a crucial role in her creative process, adding another layer to her artistic expression.

In-Depth Interview with Laufey: Creative Process and Album Insights

The core of the episode features an in-depth interview with Laufey, where she discusses her latest album and the evolution of her music:

• Album Creation and Personal Growth: Laufey explains that her new album represents the most authentic version of herself, focusing on honesty and emotional depth. She states, "I was thinking so much about how what I could bring to the table, that felt new, but was like the most true to myself that I'd ever been" (16:20).

• Musical Arrangements and Performance Styles: She describes her desire for cinematic and vivid arrangements, tailored for large arena performances. Laufey emphasizes the versatility of her music, offering multiple versions of her songs to suit different concert settings (19:43).

• Tour Preparations and Challenges: Discussing her upcoming Madison Square Garden performance, Laufey highlights the increased stakes and larger audience size compared to previous venues like Radio City Music Hall. She shares her strategies for maintaining stamina and delivering captivating performances every night (19:55).

• Personal Rituals and Superstitions: Contrary to traditional superstitions, Laufey prefers silence and solitude before performances, using it as a form of meditation. She occasionally indulges in chocolate to calm her nerves, admitting, "I'm gonna have the real chocolate justice for milk chocolate" (21:07).

Laufey’s Fashion Sense and Collaboration with Bode

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Laufey's impeccable fashion sense and her collaboration with designer Bode for her tour wardrobe:

• Fashion Inspirations and Preferences: Laufey expresses her love for vintage and couture fashion, frequently sourcing outfits from vintage shops like Sorbara's in Williamsburg. She emphasizes the importance of wearing pieces she loves, adhering to her new shopping motto inspired by Vogue writer Lynn Yaeger: "If you don't want to wear it out of the store, you shouldn't buy it" (39:11).

• Custom Tour Outfits by Bode: Laufey reveals that her entire tour wardrobe is custom-made by Bode, aligning with her musical style and artistic vision. She describes the collaboration as "full of surprises" and praises Bode’s understanding of her aesthetic (42:12).

Personal Anecdotes: Laufey and Her Twin Sister

Laufey shares delightful stories about her identical twin sister, who travels with her on tour and directs her music videos. Their playful sibling dynamic is highlighted through humorous incidents, such as their attempt to outdo each other with bangs and sharing clothes (35:12; 37:19). Laufey recounts a memorable moment when her twin impersonated her, leading to a fun yet slightly awkward encounter (35:50).

Laufey’s Use of Social Media and Independent Career

Laufey discusses the pivotal role of TikTok and other social media platforms in building her career independently. She credits her ability to grow an audience organically without relying on major labels, allowing her complete creative control. Laufey highlights the importance of these platforms in nurturing niche genres and providing artists with the freedom to express their unique sounds (28:30; 29:11).

Musical Influences and Family Background

Delving deeper into her musical roots, Laufey explains how her parents' extensive background in classical and jazz music profoundly influenced her style. Her mother’s participation in the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and her father’s love for jazz and world music shaped Laufey’s diverse musical palette. She articulates, "There's a level of dissonance to them, a level of tension that then resolves" (23:08), showcasing her appreciation for complex musical structures.

Future Aspirations and Dream Collaborations

When asked about her dream collaborations, Laufey expresses a desire to work with legendary artists like Oscar Peterson and contemporary icons such as Lana Del Rey. She reflects on her fortunate experiences performing with renowned artists like Norah Jones and Barbra Streisand, indicating her aspirations to continue growing and collaborating within the music industry (47:36).

Conclusion: Laufey’s Multifaceted Talent and Future Prospects

The episode concludes with Laufey reiterating her excitement for her upcoming tour and the continuous evolution of her music and fashion collaborations. Hosts Chioma and Chloe express their admiration and support for Laufey, emphasizing her impact as an independent artist who seamlessly blends diverse musical genres with high fashion.

Notable Quotes

• Chloe Mel on Laufey’s Genre-Blending: "She's someone who really defies any boundary that's put around her or one box descriptor" (00:36).

• Irene Kim on Laufey’s Performance: "Her Voice sounds like from another era" (02:00).

• Laufey on Artistic Authenticity: "I wanted to stay true to my musical roots... honesty and speaking, like, straight from my heart" (16:32).

• Laufey on Fashion Week Inspiration: "Every time I go to Fashion Week, like, there are very few things that have me as starstruck as getting to sit front row at a fashion show" (40:37).

• Laufey on Independent Career: "I own all my masters and all my publishing... I grew an audience first... and grew the industry's trust in me" (29:52).

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Run-Through with Vogue offers a comprehensive glimpse into Laufey's artistic journey, her seamless integration of music and fashion, and her steadfast independence in the music industry. Through personal anecdotes, in-depth discussions, and insightful interviews, listeners gain an appreciation for Laufey's talent, her collaborative spirit with designers like Bode, and her unwavering dedication to her craft.