Podcast Summary: What Vogue Editors Are Watching, Reading, and Listening To This Summer

Episode Details:

• Title: What Vogue Editors Are Watching, Reading, and Listening To This Summer
• Release Date: June 3, 2025
• Hosts: Chioma Nnadi (Head of British Vogue) and Chloe Mel (Editor of Vogue.com)
• Participants: Geminati, Jose, Radhika Seth

1. Summer Movie Highlights

The discussion kicked off with a deep dive into this summer's movie offerings. Chloe Mel shared her enthusiasm for "The Materials," highlighting its blend of romance and thought-provoking themes. Despite mixed reviews in their office, she praised Pedro Pascal's performance, stating, "Pedro Pascal was fantastic and Chris Evans was good. I just thought it was extremely charmed throughout the whole thing" (00:36).

Geminati chimed in, emphasizing Dakota Johnson's underrated comedic talents: "I think Dakota Johnson is also underrated as a comedian" (02:32). The group also expressed excitement for the Norwegian film "Sentimental Value," praising its emotional depth and Radhika Seth added, "There is no release date on it yet, so I don't know if we'll get to enjoy it this summer, but I do think it's the pick" (04:37).

2. Trending TV Shows

Shifting focus to television, the hosts discussed popular series like "And Just Like That" and "The Gilded Age." Radhika Seth expressed her fascination with "And Just Like That," particularly the fashion-forward and eccentric outfits: "There are some seriously unhinged outfits that carry ludicrously capacious hats. It was truly deranged what they're dressing them in, but I'm here for it" (06:22).

Jose lauded "The Gilded Age" for its historical accuracy and engaging storytelling: "The show is amazing because it's like, historically accurate, but also not at all. It's like one entire episode is dedicated to this one guy who works in one of the homes building a clock. I love it" (07:33). The panelists appreciated the show's aesthetic and character development, anticipating further season highlights.

3. Music Buzz and Concert Experiences

Music enthusiasts among the hosts shared their excitement for upcoming releases and concerts. Chloe Mel and Geminati discussed Lorde's evolving musical style, with Radhika Seth intrigued by her raw and frank lyrical approach: "It seems like what she's going for this time around is something really sort of raw and quite frank lyrically" (15:45).

Jose recounted his experience attending Lady Gaga's concert in Mexico City, praising the vibrant crowd and Gaga's performance: "The crowd was amazing. Lady Gaga is no stranger to incredible performances, and her concert in Mexico City was absolutely thrilling" (18:19). Chloe also highlighted Gustavo Dudamel's upcoming performances in New York, expressing her anticipation: "Gustavo Dudamel is playing at the summer series in Central Park, and I'm very excited" (19:06).

4. Book Recommendations

The editors shared their current reads and anticipated releases, offering a diverse selection for summer reading:

• Chloe Mel recommended "Spring" by Amanda Hess, a tech reporter's memoir on motherhood in the digital age, and "How to Lose Your Mother" by Molly Zhang Fast, describing it as a compelling narrative about loss and identity (23:18).

• Radhika Seth suggested "Darrow Farr" by an emerging author, praising its blend of humor and political commentary, making it an ideal beach read (23:58).

• Jose highlighted Tommy Dorfen's memoir, describing it as a beautiful and cathartic exploration of personal transformation, and Robin Givon's "Virgil Upload," which delves into Virgil Abloh's legacy in fashion (24:16).

5. Art and Theater Events

Art and theater aficionados discussed several notable exhibitions and performances:

• Leigh Bowery Exhibition at Tate Modern: Radhika Seth urged listeners in London to attend, celebrating Bowery's influence on fashion and performance art: "He was this underground legend who died of AIDS in the 90s and was this performance artist/club kid in the post-New Romantic era of 1980s London" (26:09).

• David Hockney Retrospective at Fondation Louis Vuitton: Geminati expressed her admiration for Hockney's work and anticipation to view the retrospective (27:42).

• Sergeant Show at the Met: Chloe Mel shared her excitement for the Sargent exhibit, emphasizing her love for his artwork (28:10).

• Evita Production: Geminati highlighted the upcoming Jamie Lloyd production of "Evita," noting Rachel Ziegler's role as Eva Perón and labeling it as the summer's hottest ticket (29:05).

6. Fashion Industry Insights

The conversation culminated with an in-depth analysis of the fashion industry's current landscape and upcoming designer debuts:

• Jonathan Anderson at Dior Men: The hosts discussed Anderson's first collection for Dior Men, anticipating a blend of tradition and innovation. Jose noted, "It's interesting because it doesn't necessarily have a lot of Dior house coats or the new look applying to menswear" (31:03).

• Glenn Martens for Margiela: The panel expressed excitement for Martens' couture debut at Margiela, highlighting his previous work at Jean Paul Gaultier and his versatile design approach (32:58).

• Demna's Last Collection for Balenciaga: They reflected on Demna's transformative impact on Balenciaga and his final couture collection, recognizing his role in revitalizing the brand (33:08).

• Michael Ryder at Celine: Chloe shared her enthusiasm for Ryder’s debut, praising his fashion sense and predicting a successful launch (35:39).

Radhika Seth added, "These designers are setting the pace and tone of fashion over the last couple of years. Having them debut this summer, ahead of the September rush, offers a fresh spotlight" (35:28). The group agreed that this summer promises to be transformative for the fashion world, with designers bringing unique perspectives and innovative designs.

7. Conclusion

The Vogue editors wrapped up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with their cultural interests this summer, spanning cinema, television, music, literature, art, theater, and fashion. They emphasized the season's vibrant and transformative nature, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the diverse offerings discussed.

Notable Quotes:

• "Pedro Pascal was fantastic and Chris Evans was good. I just thought it was extremely charmed throughout the whole thing." – Chloe Mel (00:36)

• "I think Dakota Johnson is also underrated as a comedian." – Geminati (02:32)

• "The show is amazing because it's like, historically accurate, but also not at all." – Jose (07:33)

• "Lorde is being a cultural force, making people talk about her every move." – Jose (15:30)

• "Leigh Bowery was this underground legend who died of AIDS in the 90s and was this performance artist/club kid." – Radhika Seth (26:09)

• "These designers are setting the pace and tone of fashion over the last couple of years." – Radhika Seth (35:28)

This episode of The Run-Through with Vogue provided a comprehensive overview of the summer's cultural landscape, offering insightful perspectives from Vogue's esteemed editors and creatives. From blockbuster movies and trending TV shows to captivating art exhibitions and groundbreaking fashion debuts, listeners are well-equipped to navigate and enjoy the vibrant season ahead.