Editor’s Picks: Magazine Cover

Manor may not be a print publication, but our editors certainly appreciate a good cover. In an increasingly oversaturated media landscape, whether seen in print on a newsstand on the street, or in the midst of your late night doom-scroll, nothing hits quite like a striking cover. From our favorite magazines, models, musicians, actors, and drag queens, our staff rounded up our favorite magazine covers in hopes of spreading the love for publishing and print.  

Flora’s Pick: Vogue Taiwan: “Victory Wind”, July 2024, Nymphia Wind photographed by Manbo Key & Chien-Wen Lin

Dare I say it, executive realness at its finest? Taiwan and Thailand remain the only two Asian countries to have made same-sex marriage legal nationally as of September 2024, and in several Asian countries it remains illegal to be queer. As an Asian-American with extended family members who don’t (and likely won’t ever) quite understand the whole “gay thing”, seeing one of my favorite drag queens on the cover of Vogue Taiwan hit different. Talk about charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. 

Alex’s Pick: Rolling Stone: Issue 1372, February 2023, Boygenius photographed by Ryan Pfluger

This cover embodies Boygenius. They’re serving like a court summons, posted up in Gucci suits reminiscent of Nirvana’s 1994 Rolling Stone cover. It’s a subversive “screw you” to the industry, and I’m obsessed.

Abigail’s Pick: Atmos Magazine: Kinship, Vol. 09, June 2024, Signe Michaelsson photographed by Elizaveta Porodina

Atmos magazine is all about sustainability and protecting the earth, and for this edition they focused on the tree of life that unifies all living organisms together. They called on Porodina to photograph such a beautiful concept and it is the definition of ethereal art. I have been, and will be, an Elizaveta Porodina fan for the rest of my life and into the afterlife. Atmos and Porodina collaborating on an amazing project will always be remembered.

Charlie’s Pick: i-D: The Sounding Off Issue, no. 350, Winter 2017, Frank Ocean by Frank Ocean

Every opportunity I get to learn that much more about Frank Ocean’s life and story as an artist in mediums other than music, I’ll take. Frank Ocean, if you’re reading, please come back. I miss you.

Iyla’s Pick: GQ: The Art of Fashion, March 2022, Robert Pattinson photographed by Jack Bridgland

First off, Robert Pattison is a freak and I love him, but I also just love this shoot as a whole. This issue had two covers available. One cover with a regular Rob and this one, with what I can only describe as a grimey, sweaty, club-basement-tattooed Rob. Really into weird character shoots, especially for covers, but this one showcases his range and metamorphosis as an actor.

Mishi’s Pick: Vogue Japan: INTO THE JENNIEVERSE, July 2023 Jennie Kim photographed by Jang Hyun Hong

Jennie Kim is elegance, femininity, and timelessness personified. She is a globally recognized Chanel ambassador who captures the brand’s essence in every way. This cover is ethereal, effortlessly beautiful, and one of the most iconic covers in Vogue Japan’s history.

Evan’s Pick: Evening Standard: Peek-A-Boo!, November 2022, Chloë Sevigny photographed by Petra Collins

I love Chloë Sevigny. And I also love Petra Collins. So why would I not love this? The other images from this shoot are littered with nuance and clues about Sevigny’s past and her career. It’s like a pop culture scavenger hunt. Chloë Sevigny, you will always be famous.

Eve’s Pick: Paper: Break The Internet, November 2014, Kim Kardasian photographed by Jean-Paul Goude

THE most iconic magazine cover of all time. I will not take any arguments. When else does a cover truly “Break the Internet”? This cover truly put Kim and her big….personality on display for the world to see.

Aubrey’s Pick: PAPER Magazine: Chappell Roan, June 2024, Chappell Roan photographed by Hector Clark

My jaw quite literally dropped when I saw this impeccable cover and the other looks from this shoot. I need to frame it and hang it on my wall. And bonus—convo with Chappell and Trixie Mattel!!

Anna’s Pick:  Interview Magazine: Rihanna, Issue 554 Spring 2024, Rihanna photographed by Nadia Lee Cohen

Babe its Rihanna shot by Nadia Lee Cohen and she’s ready to confessssssssssss…yes, please!

Ari’s Pick: Dazed Magazine: Film & TV, The Winter’s 2022 Issue, Taylor Russell photographed by Carlijn Jacobs.

The whole production of this shoot was beautifully crafted and INCREDIBLE! Taylor just embodies Loewe so well and it’s so perfect for Dazed Magazine’s multicultural- aesthetic as well. Also, IT’S TAYLOR RUSSELL!

Miia’s Pick: Paper Magazine: September Issue, 2024, Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore photographed by Quentin De Briey

Asking me to pick a favorite cover is like asking me to pick a favorite color, it’s nearly impossible. However, one that’s fresh in my mind is this cover of Vogue Espana. The vibes are immaculate, and Harry Lambert styling those Nina Ricci bowties is everything to me. It feels special, charming, and a bit curious. Print every photo from this editorial and hang it on my wall, please and thank you.

Paige’s Pick: Paper Magazine: Special Edition 40th Anniversary Issue, September 2024, Doechii photographed by Sarah Pardini

Now that’s HOT! Paper Magazine’s 40th anniversary issue is a celebration of boldness and creativity, and Doechii steals the spotlight as the queen of alter egos. Her portrayal of “Ricardo” had me gagged, to say the least, with her eccentric personality shining through every shot. This issue proves once again that Paper knows how to push boundaries, bringing iconic moments and unforgettable characters to life.