We’re starting to see the effects of the global pandemic down at newsstands. First Vogue Portugal drew attention to the current state of affairs with a pair of covers. Now Vogue Italia is weighing in with a blank cover. For a magazine that favors digitally-rendered cover stars, Vittoria Ceretti and Rebecca Leigh Longendyke, it’s a pretty big statement. Featuring nothing but the Vogue masthead, the cover was designed by the title’s Creative Director Ferdinando Verderi in an effort to convey respect, rebirth and space and time to rethink. It also signifies the color worn by the medics combating the virus.
The cover divided our forum members. “This is not even a mirror or anything, just a blank slate and all the grand superlatives will mean nothing to the impulse buyer. I simply can’t deal with the pretentiousness of Emanuele Farneti…” complained Benn98.
“LAZY. How and why on earth is Condé Nast allowing Farneti to tarnish the Vogue Italia brand?” wondered MON.
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“They’re either trying way too hard or not putting in any effort at all. WHAT IS THIS!” exclaimed Scotty.
KINGofVERSAILLES wasn’t impressed: “Laziness and ineptitude passed off as respect. Such an empty gesture.”
Others thought the cover hit the right note. “I believe that this time a cover like this is appropriate and any disapproval is needless and disrespectful. Wishing all the best to the Italian people,” wrote Srdjan.
“I understand and respect the direction. Truth is, any ‘business as usual’ cover would’ve felt extremely distasteful to the current situation in Italy. The magazine had to present something that was in touch with reality, something at the very least respectful,” admired Marc10.
“I absolutely believe this is a very appropriate and delicate message for what we are living in Italy at the moment. A moment to reflect. And to understand that we need the doctors and nurses more than we need Bella Hadid,” echoed pizzicato.
Share your thoughts on Vogue Italia’s latest cover here.
