Podcast Summary: The Run-Through with Vogue Episode: Vogue Editors Break Down The December Issue Edited By Marc Jacobs
Release Date: November 14, 2024

Introduction to the December Issue

In this highly anticipated episode of The Run-Through with Vogue, hosts Chioma Nnadi and Chloe Mao delve deep into American Vogue's groundbreaking December issue, which marks a historic first as it is guest-edited by the iconic designer Marc Jacobs.

Chloe Mao [00:51]: "American Vogue's December issue is out. Kaia Gerber, the model and actress, is on the cover And it is most importantly, the first issue ever in American Vogue's history to be guest edited by none other than Marc Jacobs."

Public and Editorial Reactions

Both hosts express the palpable excitement surrounding this issue. They recount personal anecdotes of increased interest in the print edition, a phenomenon not seen in recent times, highlighting the unique appeal of this collaboration.

Choma Nardi [02:10]: "I really think this issue's gonna be a collector's item. Like I think people are going to collect it."

The episode also touches on a celebratory party held at Bibliotheque in Soho, where Marc Jacobs and Kaia Gerber shared heartfelt readings and reflections on their collaborative process.

Behind the Scenes: Guest Editing with Marc Jacobs

A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to an in-depth conversation with Marc Jacobs, along with insights from Taylor Antrim and Virginia Smith, the deputy editor and director of the Global Fashion Network at Vogue, respectively.

Initiation of the Collaboration

The collaboration began with a strategic decision by Anna Wintour to infuse fresh perspectives into the December issue, steering clear of the political turbulence surrounding the presidential election.

Anna Wintour [12:04]: "She thought to herself, as she said to me, that why don't we do something really special? That's just like a gift. Nothing to do with politics whatsoever, really. Just like a really creative sort of issue."

Marc Jacobs initially felt overwhelmed by the proposition but embraced the opportunity to curate a creative escape.

Creative Process and Challenges

Jacobs's creative approach contrasted with Vogue's traditional editorial workflow. While Anna Wintour is known for her efficiency and decisiveness, Jacobs prefers a more contemplative and iterative process.

Taylor Antrim [16:08]: "Marc Jacobs likes to think about things. He likes to mull things over. He likes to have more time. He likes to reconsider them, come back to them. It's just how he works."

This difference led to moments of tension, particularly during the release meeting, where both editors had to navigate differing visions for the dance portfolio section of the magazine.

Anna Wintour [17:16]: "There were a lot of things that went his way, but these two pictures that he wanted in the dance portfolio, they did get worked out on camera."

Iconic Features of the December Issue

The issue boasts several standout features, including a 22-page dance portfolio photographed by Alastair McKim and a unique piece on Jacobs's Frank Lloyd Wright house, penned by Jacobs himself.

Anna Wintour [31:35]: "This was truly something that he labored over. And it's such a personal piece of writing about his attachment to this house, the whole journey of buying it and renovating it, which sounds, you know, like quite the adventure."

Another highlight is the whimsical inclusion of Marc's dog, Carl, donned in Chanel, symbolizing Jacobs's playful yet sophisticated aesthetic.

Marc Jacobs [36:54]: "I want to talk about my personal favorite image, which is the last look. The dog wearing Chanel."

London's Vogue Initiatives: Inventing the Runway Exhibit

Choma Nardi shares her bustling week in London, detailing her involvement with Vogue's interactive exhibit, Inventing the Runway. This immersive experience showcases 100 years of fashion through a 360-degree perspective, offering attendees a front-row experience like no other.

Choma Nardi [05:34]: "It was such like, you know when you just get those moments when you're like, oh, like this is why I love fashion. And this is what makes. This is where the magic happens."

Pop Culture and Personal Updates

The hosts also take a moment to discuss current pop culture events, including movie screenings related to Vogue's selections and popular TV shows. They touch upon award season buzz, such as the Grammy nominations, highlighting diverse nominations and celebrating female artists' achievements.

Choma Nardi [08:42]: "I feel very excited that Charli xcx, who is UK Treasure, has been nominated for. Yeah, Hopetown Queen has been nominated for many Grammys."

Final Highlights and Concluding Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Anna Wintour and Marc Jacobs share their mutual admiration and the successful fruition of the December issue. The collaboration is celebrated as a melding of creative minds, resulting in a magazine that balances tradition with innovative flair.

Anna Wintour [38:56]: "It's so fun to see the whole package in print."

Chloe Mao concludes by noting the resurgence of interest in print media, a testament to the issue's compelling content and Marc Jacobs's visionary editorship.

Chloe Mao [38:57]: "It's the first time in a long. Time I've had people ask me for print issues."

Conclusion

This episode offers an exclusive peek into the making of an unprecedented Vogue issue, blending high fashion with personal narratives and creative challenges. For listeners eager to understand the intricacies of magazine editing and the synergy between Vogue's editorial team and Marc Jacobs, this episode provides both depth and engaging insights.

Notable Quotes:

• Choma Nardi [02:10]: "I really think this issue's gonna be a collector's item. Like I think people are going to collect it."
• Anna Wintour [12:04]: "Just like a really creative sort of issue."
• Taylor Antrim [16:08]: "It's just how he works."
• Anna Wintour [31:35]: "It's such a personal piece of writing about his attachment to this house."
• Marc Jacobs [36:54]: "The dog wearing Chanel."

For a comprehensive understanding of the collaboration and the creative processes behind Vogue's December issue, tuning into this episode is highly recommended.