Virgo Oracle: The Return of Discipline and Expertise
Not Everything Is Content as there is a cultural etiquette crisis
This intense Virgo season was not for the faint of heart. We experienced a challenging eclipse season, which served as a reminder of the importance of credibility in any earned position. Achieving refinement of taste and excellence is not merely a matter of luck. While Leo season focuses on performance and visibility, Virgo season encourages us to examine whether our actions align with our claims. In the realms of fashion, beauty, and media, the prevailing energy was to let the experts take the lead. This Virgo season emphasises rigour, legacy, and etiquette.
Sephora's Spotlight on the Professionals
Sephora's merchandising strategy has evolved with its Sephora Spotlight campaign, which emphasises professional makeup artistry. The campaign features renowned professionals such as Mario Dedivanovic, Danessa Myricks, Nikki DeRoest, Charlotte Tilbury, Patrick Ta, Patrick Starrr, and Gucci Westman.
Each founder, recognised for their unique philosophy, was photographed alongside their best-selling products, showcasing their expertise. Additionally, new emerging brands from Mary Phillips and Hung Vanngo reflect consumers' demands for adaptable techniques. The focus has shifted from striving for an ideal to adapting to individual needs.
Relatability alone is no longer enough to sell a product; consumers now seek proof of expertise. These founders have built careers, portfolios, and followings through decades of experience and knowledge. Not every brushstroke is equal, and true mastery makes a difference.
NYFW SS26 & the US Open Unspoken Etiquette
New York Fashion Week (NYFW) and the US Open reveal a shared tension: what happens when visibility takes precedence over respect.
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In recent years, NYFW, once the pinnacle of fashion prestige, has slowly lost its lustre due to an algorithm-driven focus on visibility. Influencers have arrived in nearly identical outfits and accessories, leading to a decline in originality. At the same time, independent designers are facing increasing financial challenges, which contributes to NYFW's diminishing prestige as American designers migrate to European fashion capitals.
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At the US Open, the influence of Tennis WAGs. The wives and girlfriends of top-ranking players have drawn public interest through their strong connections to fashion. However, the courtside experience has changed, with the best seats often reserved for influencers who may not genuinely engage with the matches.
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This clip is from a courtside moment at the 2025 US Open. The video isn’t here to critique a person, but to show the kind of shifting focus we’re seeing more often: when the lens turns away from the match and toward the self.
It's about respect for the players, and the silence that tennis has always asked for. In an era driven by visibility, it’s worth asking: Are we really present, or are we just recording ourselves being there?
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Viral moments of influencers dancing, filming, or treating the match as a mere backdrop were a distraction, rather than appreciating it as a sport. Such behaviour has faced criticism. Tennis is a tradition-bound endeavour, deeply rooted in etiquette, silence, and respect for the players; many fail to recognise that it is a solo sport, with no support or breaks during matches.
These incidents reflect a broader cultural shift, where access to such events requires an inherent respect and understanding of the environment. It's important to remember not to draw attention away from the leading players, as there's a distinction between simply showing up and showing up with the right attitude.
Vogue China Honours its 20th Anniversary Legacy.
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Vogue China dedicated its September issue to highlighting Chinese supermodels who are pioneers and trailblazers in the fashion industry. These models have achieved significant success on the international stage and have played a crucial role in shaping the cultural foundation of modern Chinese fashion. The global fashion industry recognised notable figures such as Du Juan, Sun Feifei, Qin Shupei, Ju Xiaowen, Ming Xi, He Cong, Lina Zhang, and Chu Wong for their enduring professionalism and international influence.
The editorial, photographed by Elizaveta Porodina, beautifully illustrated a green room styled like a vintage Chinese advertisement. This imagery emphasises that, despite their international successes, it is vital for these models to remember their roots. It's essential to focus on sustaining a presence over achieving sudden notoriety. Honouring one's legacy and ensuring longevity in the industry is the real mark of success.
Condé Nast’s Answer to Influencer Storefront
Despite the crowded online marketplace, Condé Nast's new affiliate platform, Vetté, offers something unique: expert-driven commerce. Vetté integrates product recommendations directly from both creators and the Conde Nast editors.
This affiliate program is carefully curated, leveraging decades of taste, education, and editorial authority to establish itself as a trusted source. In an era where consumers are wary of influencer overload, Vetté positions shopping as a thoughtful and curated experience.
Final Reflection
From the tennis courts to the aisles of your local Sephora, this Virgo season is shifting the focus back to expertise rather than mere exposure. Virgo prompts us to question our foundations and understand the reasons behind established systems. While influence isn't inherently negative, influence without integrity amounts to nothing more than fleeting fame. This season encourages us to act with purpose, refine our work with precision, and always respect the process behind the performance. Trust the tastemakers, honour the rituals, and allow the experts to have their say.
Insights for Libra Season
Overall Message
Libra season marks the culmination of a significant cycle, prompting us to reflect with clarity rather than rushing for shortcuts or external validation. With Saturn's influence, this period emphasises discipline, honesty, and responsibility. The lesson is to step back from noise and distractions so we can reconnect with intuition, gratitude, and inner balance.
The World upright: Completion energy is coming near with something important has run its course, and Saturn reminds us that endings also carry karmic lessons. A chapter is closing, but it signals integration and to gather what we've learned and preparing to step forward with more wisdom.
The High Priestess reversed: A warning that we may have stepped from intuition, lost in illusions or external chatter. Current Neptune's hazy influence makes it easy to doubt our inner voice as a call to tune out media noise, misleading influences, and self-deception. Recommit to reflection, journaling, meditation, and exercise to tap into your inner compass, which is the most reliable guide you have right now.
Eight of Swords upright: Mental struggle and entrapment surface when we allow outside messages to cloud clarity. The cage is self-imposed and reminds us that we can free ourselves by shifting perspective. This card asks us to pause and question: "What do I truly know within, beyond fear and noise?"
Seven of Swords reversed: The temptation of shortcuts or avoidance comes into view. Libra season warns against bypassing responsibility or trying to "get away with it." Proper balance comes from accountability and honesty, even if it feels slower. Integrity is essential as the cycle completes.
Oracle: "You Won the Lottery and Make Room for Wonderment"
Amidst endings and mental fog, the oracle delivers a gift: a reminder of abundance already present. Gratitude for friends, shelter, opportunities, and small wins restores perspective. By focusing on what we do have, we create openness for blessings and unexpected windfalls.