Podcast Summary: The Run-Through with Vogue Episode: What Vogue Is Looking for in the Next ‘It’ Model
Release Date: August 7, 2025

1. Introduction to Vogue’s Model Search Initiative

The episode kicks off with hosts Chloe Mao and Che Minardi discussing Vogue's latest endeavor to discover the next generation of supermodels. Vogue is actively seeking aspiring models aged 18 and older to submit photos or short videos through the Vogue app by August 25. This initiative aims to feature new talent in major Vogue editorials, signaling Vogue’s commitment to evolving the modeling landscape.

Notable Quote:
Chloe Mao [00:26]: “Vogue is on the hunt for the next generation of models… for a chance to be featured in a major editorial moment in Vogue.”

2. The Doge Cover Contest – Overwhelming Response

Chloe introduces the Doge cover contest, a unique competition where participants could submit pictures of their dogs to potentially grace the Vogue cover. The response was staggering, with 52,000 submissions far exceeding the anticipated few hundred to a thousand. The selection process involves Vogue’s global talent casting director Iggy Barillo and fashion news editor Jose Criale Suntuerta, along with other esteemed panelists.

Notable Quotes:
Chloe Mao [01:21]: “We got 52,000 submissions.”
Che Minardi [02:28]: “Fun fact. Looking at cute animals is actually good for your nose, nervous system.”

3. Fashion Trends Highlighted: The Skims Face Wrap

The hosts delve into current fashion trends, spotlighting the viral Skims face wrap. Margot Ambuba, Vogue’s beauty editor, shares her firsthand experience trying the face wrap, which has garnered significant attention online. The discussion touches on both the aesthetic appeal and the practical considerations, such as skin safety and construction intricacies.

Notable Quotes:
Che Minardi [11:04]: “I'd been dying to know someone who's actually tried it. I mean, tell me everything.”
Chloe Mao [12:11]: “It comes almost X shaped and you have to figure out where the Velcro goes and put it around your face.”

4. Defining the Modern Supermodel

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring what constitutes a modern supermodel. Iggy Barillo emphasizes that beyond physical attributes like height and measurements, personality plays a crucial role. The conversation highlights the shift from the traditional, homogeneous models of the past to today's diverse and multifaceted talents.

Notable Quotes:
Iggy Barillo [27:36]: “The simple answer is just personality. Like, you can have the looks and the height and the measurements and all of that stuff, but it's just who you are.”
Che Minardi [29:35]: “She's so professional. The walk is amazing.”

5. Evolution of Model Discovery in the Social Media Era

The hosts discuss how the discovery of models has transformed with the advent of social media. Unlike the traditional in-person scouting methods used in the past, today's scouts leverage online platforms to find talent. This shift allows for a broader and more diverse pool of candidates, highlighting models’ personalities and online presence alongside their physical attributes.

Notable Quotes:
Iggy Barillo [24:42]: “It's easier, I guess, to just like find them. Like everyone is online, so it's just like easier.”
Che Minardi [25:46]: “People are looking now for like personalities and all of that aspect.”

6. The Impact of AI on the Modeling Industry

A critical discussion point is the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on modeling. The hosts express skepticism about AI replacing real models, emphasizing the irreplaceable human qualities such as charisma, warmth, and personal interactions that models bring to the industry.

Notable Quotes:
Iggy Barillo [41:55]: “I really hope that [AI] just doesn't go anywhere. It's like, you need people.”
Che Minardi [42:24]: “It's something natural. And I think we should normalize this.”

7. Inclusivity and Size Diversity: Progress and Challenges

The conversation transitions to inclusivity and size diversity within the modeling industry. While there has been progress toward more inclusive casting, challenges remain. The hosts critique the industry's tendency to revert to thinner models and discuss systemic issues such as reluctance to adjust clothing sizes and designs to accommodate diverse body types.

Notable Quotes:
Iggy Barillo [45:25]: “The houses are pretty big... it's like, yeah, it keeps going down and down.”
Che Minardi [46:23]: “We don’t need just one or two models. There is room for more.”

8. Vogue Open Casting: Selection Process and Judges

Detailing Vogue Open Casting, Iggy Barillo explains that this year’s competition is more streamlined, focusing on a single winner from a large pool of applicants. The judging panel includes influential figures such as Simone Jacquemouz, Virginia Smith, Anna Wintour, and representatives from fashion agencies like Woman Paris and Vogue France.

Notable Quotes:
Iggy Barillo [27:25]: “It's just, it's who you are. Like, it's the biggest factor.”
Ignacio Murillo [33:22]: “We wanted to develop this beautiful system where models can submit their applications…”

9. Concluding Insights and Future of Modeling

The episode concludes with reflections on the future of modeling. The hosts reiterate Vogue’s dedication to discovering and nurturing new talent who embody both the aesthetic and the personality necessary to thrive in today’s fashion world. They emphasize the importance of maintaining human qualities in an increasingly digital industry.

Notable Quotes:
Iggy Barillo [43:55]: “It's an ideal situation. You're not casting the girl because of what she means, but because of who she is.”
Che Minardi [44:52]: “We are here to talk about Vogue Open Casting because we believe in models and want them to continue to thrive.”

Key Takeaways:

• Vogue’s proactive approach in seeking new modeling talent through digital platforms and open casting calls.
• Massive engagement in specialized contests like the Doge cover, reflecting Vogue’s innovative marketing strategies.
• Shift towards personality and online presence being as important as physical attributes in model selection.
• Continuous challenges in achieving true inclusivity and size diversity within the modeling industry.
• Vogue’s commitment to preserving the human element in modeling despite advancements in AI and digital trends.

This episode of The Run-Through with Vogue offers an in-depth look into Vogue’s evolving strategies for discovering and nurturing new modeling talent, highlighting the balance between traditional scouting and modern digital methods, while addressing ongoing industry challenges related to inclusivity and the role of technology.