Inside vogue's may cover & rachel comey's unconventional rise
The rarefied world of Fashion is rarely so forthcoming, but The Run-Through podcast just pulled back the curtain, offering a glimpse into the making of Vogue’s closely guarded May cover—the one featuring Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour—and a compelling origin story from designer Rachel Comey. It’s a double dose of industry insight, delivered with a refreshing dose of candor.
A conversation among giants
Podcast host Chloe Hassell invited Virginia Smith, a key editor at Vogue, to dissect the meticulous process behind the cover. The conversation, punctuated by excerpts from a discussion between Streep and Wintour, delved into the complexities of aging, the joys of grandmotherhood, and the surprising aspects of each woman’s career they’d find less than appealing. But the real intrigue lies in the details–the careful curation of imagery, the strategic placement, and the unspoken dynamics at play between two titans of style.
The podcast also offered a fascinating peek into the early days of Rachel Comey’s eponymous brand. Speaking with Nicole Phelps, Comey revealed a funding strategy that defied conventional wisdom, relying on a grassroots approach rather than traditional investors. The upcoming opening of her Christopher Street store in New York City marks a significant milestone, a physical manifestation of a brand built on independence and a fiercely loyal following.
Comey’s philosophy, as she articulated it, is rooted in a client-centric design approach. “I really think about design as a service to the client and making sure that they’re feeling the things they want to feel in the rooms that they want to go into,” she stated, a sentiment that speaks to a deeper understanding of how Fashion intersects with personal identity and emotional well-being. The designer's commitment to inclusive casting, a practice she has championed for years, has steadily gained traction within the industry, though she remains determined to forge her own path.
Her audience isn’t just consumers; it’s a constellation of creatives—writers like Zadie Smith, directors, and artists like Miranda July—who appreciate Comey’s commitment to originality and thoughtful design. It's a testament to the power of building a brand on authenticity, not fleeting trends. The industry is catching up, but Comey isn't waiting for permission.