Most glossy magazines plan issues in advance so it’s not surprising that many of the covers for May 2020 seem tone-deaf. Just like the rest of us, most models, photographers, designers and stylists are practicing social distancing. That means that fancy photoshoots aren’t really an option.
When it comes to this month, there were some standout May 2020 cover stars, including Greta Thunberg and Helen Mirren (although both fell victim to awful styling). There was a very poignant cover addressing the ongoing pandemic. Then there were the beautiful model shots featuring no-makeup makeup looks. Take a fresh-faced Claudia Schiffer decked out in Azzedine Alaïa, for example.
Check out the slideshow above for a look at the best and worst May 2020 covers.
All the May 2020 Magazine Covers We Loved and Hated
-
Vogue
Gal Gadot looking strong and stylish.
-
Harper's Bazaar
This shot of Demi Lovato looks as though it was inspired by a cheesy wedding photoshoot.
-
ELLE
Dua Lipa wearing Gucci looking like she just woke up.
-
InStyle
Lady Gaga appearing as dumbfounded as we all are right about now.
-
Vogue UK
Rihanna killing it in Burberry and a custom Stephen Jones durag, marking the first time a durag has appeared on the mag's cover.
-
Allure
South Korean superstar Jihyo delivers a striking portrait shot.
-
Marie Claire
This powerful Megan Thee Stallion cover proves you don't need a flashy backdrop to make a statement.
-
Interview
Yup, that's an almost unrecognizable Selena Gomez.
-
Vogue Japan
A truly stunning shot.
-
Harper's Bazaar UK
We love a good Léa Seydoux cover and this is no exception.
-
Vogue Spain
The mag’s illustrated May 2020 cover is both beautiful and respectful.
-
ELLE UK
Claudia Schiffer looks stunning in Azzedine Alaïa and barely-there makeup.
-
Vogue Germany
While it's a pleasure to see Helen Mirren, Sharon Stone and Iris Berben all get covers this month, the styling on all three was downright awful.
-
ELLE Russia
Despite the dreamy background, this is a pretty cheesy shot of Elena Perminova.
-
ELLE Spain
We wish we could trade places with Alessandra Ambrosio.
-
Vogue Netherlands
Which outfit is worse?
-
ELLE Poland
We're not fans of this shot of Maria Marecka.
-
Glamour Poland
It's wonderful to see a powerful figure like Greta Thunberg get a glossy cover, but sadly the shot is a little underwhelming.
