The Big Question at Vogue Club’s Members-Only Fashion Month Debrief: Does Spectacle Detract From What’s on The Runway?

On Tuesday evening, Vogue Club members in London gathered at Vogue HQ on The Strand for an exclusive Spring-Summer ‘25 fashion month debrief. (As part of Vogue Club’s annual events programming each Fall, members are invited for an intimate evening with Vogue’s top editors for the full download on the hottest moments from runways across the four major cities.)

Hot off the shows at Paris Fashion Week, British Vogue’s Fashion Features Director and Vogue Club’s Senior Fashion Project Editor Julia Hobbs was joined by British Vogue’s Associate Market Editor Honey Sweet-Elias, Global Beauty and Wellness Director Jessica Diner, and Deputy Director of the Global Fashion Network Laura Ingham—all of whom attended shows globally—to talk about emerging trends and favorite moments.

Tackling the conversation from both beauty and fashion perspectives, the editors did a deep-dive on how best to analyze what appears on the runway (in short: with quick-fire notes on your phone and photo collages). “From the beauty side, I’m a big fan of moodboarding,” said Diner, while a shared photo drive is a savior for Ingham.

Beauty moments at Balmain stood out for Diner—particularly with fragrance iconography doubling as runway accessories this season—as did the gold glitter crescent moons at Loewe and the metallic lashes at Bottega by Dame Pat McGrath.

A longtime fan of Bottega, Sweet-Elias felt that what appeared on the runway this season aligned with the codes and ideals of the brand—while rising talent (and past British Vogue cover star) Tolu Coker’s living room show, which was dedicated to her mother, really struck a chord with all the panelists. “And you stepped over a welcome mat entering the show!,” Ingham gushed.

As the panel gathered steam, the question of spectacle on the runway—whether it was needed, required, valued, useful—was debated, with one Club member suggesting that spectacle may take away from the runway. It made for a lively discussion.

“Yes, being at Disneyland [for the much-talked-about Coperni show] did take away from the runway,” Hobbs said, “but in other ways it amplifies it, because you’re there to witness something which in a way is bigger than the clothes—you’re seeing an enlarged moodbird; you experience the designer’s world and who’s in it, and their ambition for the brand.”

“Sometimes you can lose the message when you’re at a show,” Ingham added. “Equally, you can be immersed. The moment you’re at a show, you’re essentially stepping onto a set—everyone who’s there is cast, from who’s on the front rows to the models. It’s really interesting to see how it translates.”

Want to know how sound baths were used for a show—or what it’s like to be sat near Jacob Elordi and ASAP Rocky? Vogue Club members can now watch the full recap on demand. Join Vogue Club here—and be in the know about upcoming events and panel discussions while getting access to exclusive content.

About Vogue Club: Vogue Club operates as a private community to bring fashion lovers and enthusiasts together with designers and industry professionals. On top of unparalleled access to fashion’s biggest moments (think tickets to runway shows, exclusive parties, and more), you can connect directly with top Vogue editors and access an ever-growing list of member perks, discounts, and benefits. Join Vogue Club here.

See some of the best pics from the night below.