
by Agnese Augusta Patriarca Bertoli and D’Amore Giulia Abril. Cover Image: Agnese Augusta Patriarca Bertoli.
They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but what about fashion magazines? After all, judging is simply part of human nature—driven not by malice but by a keen critical sense. As the 2024 season draws to a close, the Digest team has selected five magazine covers that wowed us and three that left us questioning what went wrong.
Our Top Picks: The Best Fashion Magazine Covers of 2024
A round-up of the covers that truly impressed us—innovative, bold, and unforgettable.
1. D LA REPUBBLICA: WAVES, THE BEAUTY ISSUE
WAVES The Beauty Issue (November 2024) is dedicated to exploring beauty from both scientific and commercial perspectives, but let’s focus on the cover. The photography by Julien Martinez Leclerc and styling by Jodie Barnes, all under the direction of the great Emanuele Farneti, have resulted in what we believe is the BEST cover of the year.
The lighting, posing, setting, and styling all come together flawlessly, providing exactly the refreshing change we need in these times. D La Repubblica has certainly nailed it. The vision is clear, with a significant historical reference to the iconic Veruschka in the April 1967 issue of Vogue, photographed by Franco Rubartelli.
D La Repubblica is undoubtedly the IT magazine of the year.
2. PULL LETTER: OBJECT-IFICATION, ISSUE 3 SS24
Shot by Francesco Saverio Costanzo and styled by Isabel Bonner, this magazine cover will undoubtedly leave you mesmerised by its Dada-esque composition. This biannual fashion publication takes a refreshingly playful approach, which is exactly what we hope to see more of in an industry that often feels stuck in the past (pun intended).
3. PERFECT: FULL-FIERCE
This magazine cover definitely can’t be overlooked. It presents an empowering image that perfectly captures the Rihanna we’ve all been waiting for. Daring, bold, and authentic– this cover has it all. The atmosphere embodies strength and confidence, creating not only an impressive cover but also a powerful statement.
4. VOGUE: KAIA GERBER, A SPECIAL ISSUE EDITED BY MARC JACOBS
A celebration of fashion’s bold sophistication, this Vogue cover showcases high-concept artistry. It feels like a modern reinterpretation of classic couture–striking yet somewhat distant. Marc Jacobs certainly knows how to convey his playful, daring and conceptual signature through his creations.
5. NOVEMBRE: ISSUE 16
Last but not least, Novembre is a fresh and deeply inspiring magazine, and so is one of the covers from its latest issue, created by Blatan”t Space, an emerging artist who experiments with AI in his artwork. The eerie aftertaste of this image will linger in your mind, making it truly unforgettable.
The Worst Fashion Magazine Covers of 2024: What Went Wrong?
These covers missed the mark, leaving us scratching our heads and wondering, “Was that really the best they could do?”
1. VOGUE ITALIA: CIAO RAGAZZE
Instead of empowering, this cover seems to undermine its potential. The models’ expressions do not convey strength, leading us to question whether the image truly seeks to advance the portrayal of women or if it’s simply stuck in an outdated interpretation of their role.
2. VANITY FAIR: HOLLYWOOD ISSUE
While it may not be iconic, this cover feels somewhat forgettable. The image appears stiff and lacks energy, evoking little emotion. The group seems disconnected, and the overall composition doesn’t quite come together, creating a sense that something important is missing. Rather than feeling like a celebration of Hollywood, it has more of a corporate vibe.
3. NYLON: MADELYN CLINE
This magazine cover doesn’t quite have the visual impact we were hoping for. Madelyn’s expression is quite subtle, and a more engaging look could have added energy to the image. Without a sense of dynamism or emotional connection, the cover doesn’t fully captivate the viewer. To truly make an impact, it would be essential to incorporate a stronger narrative and more expressive storytelling.