What’s happening in the world right now is a global crisis. That being known, we’re all hitting pause on our personal and professional goals by staying in and practising social distancing for the greater good. But of course, I do miss my friends, the real world, and daily interactions with fellow beings. Social media is that one place where, everyone, no matter where in the world, is going through the same sh*t as you. Which is probably why my screen time has doubled from what it usually is.
Social media is a thin thread, tying us all together, especially when it comes to the #memes. It is nice to see that people see the lighter side of things, and together we can de-stress and share a laugh. I am genuinely grateful for content creators who are relentlessly working towards keeping each other and the world entertained, within the given means. It helps make the world a more positive place.
Apart from #coronamemes, I am also stalking fashion magazines often. I like to keep up with what the most coveted fashion magazines have to say, and which model, actress or celebrity has featured on the glossy fashion magazine cover. Naturally, I was looking forward to what these magazines have to offer this month considering the current global situation, and boy was I left impressed!
In their April 2020 issues, fashion magazines got creative within their limited “work from home” space and sent out a powerful message. Have a look at some of the most impactful fashion magazine covers from April 2020:
#1. Vogue Italia
Italy is one of the worst affected countries in this global pandemic. Vogue Italia, decided to show their solidarity towards all those who have lost their lives, who are fighting the virus, and healthcare workers who are working relentlessly risking their own lives. For the first time in the history of Vogue Italia, they printed a blank magazine cover. The suspended the project they had been working on from the start and chose white as it signifies many things. “White is not surrender, but a blank sheet waiting to be written, the title page of a new story that is about to begin,” said Emanuele Farneti, editor-in-chief, Vogue Italia, in the latest issue.
#2. Vogue Portugal
Vogue Portugal‘s April 2020 issue has sparked a lot of controversies. The magazine release two covers. The first cover shows models Bibiána Baltovičová and Adam Bardy kissing with masks on, the issue is titled “freedom on hold”.
The second cover features, model Lily Stewart, who is locked in a confined space, there is a ray of light hitting her face, which represents a better and brighter future.
Many argue that this cover speaks of confinement, and calls social isolation, and distancing the “new freedom”, which is distasteful. The statement the magazine was trying to make seemed too literal to its fans. What do you guys think of this magazine cover?
#3. Vanity Fair Italia
A robust yet straightforward message, Vanity Fair Italia featured the flag of Italy with a cut. The cut on the tri-colour represents and wound and a crack. Italian artist, Francesco Vezzoli designed the fashion magazine’s cover. “We are entering an era of seriousness,” said Simone Marchetti, Editor-in-Chief, Vanity Fair Italia.
#4. ELLE France
Moving away from glamorous and stylish photos shoots. ELLE France decided to dedicate their latest issue to healthcare workers. Healthcare workers of the world are the real heroes and heroines, who are risking their lives and working day in, day out, to fight the pandemic.
The cover shot was an illustration, representing the health care workers, wearing scrubs and masks. The cover reads “MERCI“, which means thank you in French. French artist Soledad Bravi (@soledadbravi) illustrates the cover, showing how nurses, nursing assistants, and doctors are our heroines.
#5. ELLE Canada
ELLE Canada has dedicated their latest issue to all things social distancing, helping people with information that can assist them in coping with this new life, in the confinement of our homes. Similar to, Vogue Italia, the cover is blank, and ELLE made it’s logo social distance (notice the second “L”). The logo represents, how all it takes is one person doing the right thing to break the chain. The magazine’s cover is titled- “alone together, united in hope”.
#6. ELLE India
Like all industries, the fashion industry has hit pause too. ELLE India, used illustrations on their cover, as opposed to, doing a shoot, or bringing images out of archives. The fashion magazine released three covers for April. For all the three covers, they collaborated with different artists. These artists represented the current global situation through their artwork.
The first cover was a collaboration with celebrated Franco-German artist Kera Till (@keratill). Kera represented the idea of social distancing with her illustration. “For me, India is all about colour. I tried to visualise social distancing without making it scary or dark, and because it is still about connection, I used the dashed lines,” said Kera when speaking to the magazine.
The second cover was in collaboration with artists Juhi Vishnani, and Shiva Nallaperumal of November (@nvmbr_in), whose cover represented the worlds view right now, via typography.
The third April 2020 cover for ELLE, is illustrated by Aniruddh Mehta (@thebigfatminimalist) whose artwork showed how we are all connected and in this together.
For those who miss buying their monthly glossies, is that you can download the ELLE India April issue for free this month from their website ELLE.in.
#7. Cosmopolitan India
Cosmopolitan India got actress Sobhita Dhulipala working from home. The April issue is their first-ever “work from home” issue. Sobhita made most of the available means and styled, conceptualised and art directed this cover herself, along with the Cosmopolitan India team. The fashion magazine’s cover has a very vintage vibe, where she is chilling on a rug, leaning against the wall, with a book by her side. She wore a plaid shirt and bootleg jeans, as she styled herself for the cover shot!
This issue of Cosmopolitan India is about life during quarantine. The magazine will publish an exclusive digital issue, on their digital assets over the next few weeks. The issue will include the whirlwind of thought and emotions the Cosmopolitan India
team is going through right now. Alongside that, the issue features celebrity contributors, writing about life, love and hope. They tap on topics like working out at home, self-care, makeup masterclasses, how to give your self a haircut and more. Celebrities who have contributed to this work from home issue, include- Shaheen Bhatt, Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, Purab Kohli, Mandira Bedi, Malaika Arora, our very own boss lady Malini Agarwal, Mithila Palkar, Sonali Bendre, Huma Qureshi and many more.
#8. Grazia India
Grazia India released three digital covers, designed by home-grown illustrators. Visual artist, Sameer Kulavoor (@sam_kulavoor, @bombayduckdesigns) created the first cover. The cover speaks of coming together. Emphasising on the message that, even though we are separated, we need community spirit and support now more than ever.
The second cover represents a common thread that is binding us all together. Illustrator, artist, and model, Namita (@vantagold) designed the cover. The cover features items that are the new-age luxuries. Gloves, a shopping cart symbolising groceries, masks, a stethoscope is exemplifying medical assistance, along with a house plant, and flip-flops, that one usually wears at home.
The third and final cover is an illustration that speaks about being home-bound. This cover is encouraging readers, who have the luxury stay home and unwind, to introspect and work on bettering themselves and help those in need.
These fashion magazine covers, send across a strong message. As a result of which, these covers will go down in history. Which magazine cover did you find the most impactful?
Let us know in the comments below. And, don’t forget to follow @missmalinifashion for all the style updates.