The cover of the May 2009 issue of Dazed & Confused is already one of my all time favorites.
Dubbed the ‘Mavericks’ issue, the cover features Beth Ditto from the band, The Gossip, with styling by Robbie Spencer.
Shot by Rankin, the striking cover looks like it was done by Andy Warhol on an acid trip. Dozens of freaky looking mouths pop up from around the singer’s neck. Her own mouth is also replaced by one of them.
Beth Ditto is currently the cover girl of the May ‘Power 50’ issue of Out Magazine. Having already snagged the cover of the debut issue of Love magazine, Ditto seems to dominate all the statement magazine issues in 2009.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Surrealist Magazine Covers
- The use of surrealism in magazine covers can create unique and striking visuals that capture the viewer's attention.
- Maverick-themed Issues
- Magazines can create themed issues around individuals or groups that have a unique and rebellious outlook that resonates with their audience.
- Celebrity Styling
- Working with celebrities to create unique styling choices can create a brand aesthetic that is strong and attractive to consumers.
Where This Applies
- Magazine Publishing
- Surrealist magazine covers can differentiate a publication from competitors and increase sales through unique imagery.
- Fashion
- Collaborating with renowned stylists and fashion icons can help brands create unique fashion collections and reach a wider audience.
- Celebrity Media
- Focusing on unique celebrities and their individual brands can attract a niche audience and strengthen the connection with that audience through specific styling choices.
