There’s no denying that 2020 was one of the most challenging years in living memory, but it was also a period of burgeoning creativity. In the fashion industry alone, designers rallied together to create masks and PPE for doctors and nurses; they innovated alternative ways of producing and presenting their collections, reimagining the traditional fashion show format—largely unchanged for more than a century—through digital, AR, film and Zoom. In the midst of the crisis came a swell of togetherness alongside the willingness to disrupt and question the way things have always been, with a sense of awakening spreading far beyond fashion to include politics, science, pop culture—everything.
Historically speaking, times of hardship often give way to a renaissance of sorts as people seek out new solutions to both the new and pre-existing challenges we face. For our March issues of Vogue, we decided to unite and explore this notion, using our global platforms to celebrate the courageous artisans, innovators and big thinkers who believe in a brighter, fairer future for all.
“This year, all 27 global editions of Vogue are proud to dedicate our March issues to creativity,” says Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief and global editorial director, Vogue and global chief content officer, Condé Nast. “With so many reasons to be optimistic about a brighter future, Vogue thought what better way to celebrate than to focus on creatives all across the globe—whose glorious and gorgeous, inclusive and joyful images offer an inspiring look at the world of fashion today.”
Published in 21 languages and available throughout February and March, Vogue’s 27 global Creativity Issues shine a spotlight on the most exciting creative talent working today, bringing together some of the fashion industry’s biggest names. Featuring country-specific portfolios of the brightest young stars in fashion, music, art and film, alongside inspiring editorials and extraordinary fashion, each issue is a celebration of those who encourage us to look at life in a new way.
“Fashion, more than ever, remains one of the most beautiful territories for creative expression,” says Emmanuelle Alt at Vogue Paris, whose issue celebrates creativity through the decades, from Pierre Cardin to Christopher John Rogers. At Vogue Italia, Emanuele Farneti and team want to “remind everyone that ideas, and beauty, truly can move mountains.” “For Vogue Taiwan, creativity is the drive to always walk a step ahead and imagine what others have not yet imagined,” says Leslie Sun.
While at Vogue Singapore, we’re shining the spotlight on young creatives from one of Singapore’s top design schools.
“The beautiful thing about creativity is that, by definition, it knows no bounds and parameters. But as a leitmotif, the act of creativity is used to solve a problem or respond to an issue. And one of the most pressing issues in the Lion City is how to raise the profile and desirability of Singapore designers,” says Norman Tan, editor-in-chief of Vogue Singapore. “With that in mind, we handpicked young creatives from Singapore’s top design school, LaSalle College of the Arts, to create a fashion story featuring only local designs—to take something well-known, but to cast it in a new light.”
From models photographed by 3D scanning cameras to artist-designed covers, visionary photography and thought-provoking essays, each issue is a unique collectible with the theme further explored across digital and social.
As British Vogue’s Edward Enninful concludes: “From the designer finding new, collaborative ways of working, to the gifted photographer with the extraordinary backstory and curator making waves, to the next big things in art, music, cinema, tech and beauty, it is a promising roll call.”
#VogueCreativity
1 / 21
Vogue US
“This year, all 27 global editions of Vogue are proud to dedicate our March issues to creativity. With so many reasons to be optimistic about a brighter future, Vogue thought what better to celebrate than to focus on creatives all across the globe— whose glorious and gorgeous, inclusive and joyful images offer an inspiring look at the world of fashion today.” —Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief, Vogue US
Photographer: Feng Li
2 / 21
Vogue Singapore
“The beautiful thing about creativity is that, by definition, it knows no bounds and parameters. But as a leitmotif, the act of creativity is used to solve a problem or respond to an issue. And one of the most pressing issues in the Lion City is how to raise the profile and desirability of Singapore designers. With that in mind, we handpicked young creatives from Singapore’s top design school, LaSalle College of the Arts, to create a fashion story featuring only local designs—to take something well-known, but to cast it in a new light.” —Norman Tan, editor-in-chief, Vogue Singapore
Photography: Aetll
Art direction: Kevin Tew
Fashion: Desmond Lim
Styling: Rafiqin Razali
Hair: Tomoya Iizawa, Erina Nakajisma and Tan Eng Chong
Make-up: Rebekah Mah
Model: Nandita / Misc. Management
Set design: Denise Chong
3 / 21
British Vogue
“It is the greatest privilege of my job to be able to champion innovators and their creativity, and, as we hope to emerge tentatively from another chapter in this pandemic, it feels ever more urgent to do so, especially for the younger generation. I tasked some of our esteemed editors and contributors to nominate a young creative from a variety of fields for a portfolio of the new guard set to dominate, and lift our spirits. From the designer finding new, collaborative ways of working, to the gifted photographer with the extraordinary backstory and curator making waves, to the next big things in art, music, cinema, tech and beauty, it is a promising roll call.” —Edward Enninful OBE, editor-in-chief, British Vogue
Talent: Nubya Garcia
Photographer: Campbell Addy
Stylist: Poppy Kain
Hair: Isaac Poleon
Make-up: Bea Sweet
Nails: Simone Cummings
Set design: Jabez Bartlett
4 / 21
Vogue Australia
“Creativity is one of the purest forms of human expression and history has proven that art not only prevails in challenging times, but also sustains us and provides much needed meaning and connection. It was important, then, for our March issue to celebrate original thinkers who create with meaning, purpose and joy, and for our imagery to reflect the sense of optimism that creativity fosters. Our shoot with the young cast of the Australian production of Hamilton is therefore full of life and vibrant fashion styled in the theme of ‘magical realism’. Here is a diverse and dynamic group of antipodean talent, bringing to life one of the most original and creative stories in recent years, styled in an epic play on proportion, sculptural silhouettes and an explosion of colour.” —Edwina McCann, editor-in-chief, Vogue Australia
Talent (from left): Elandrah Eramiha; Akina Edmonds; and Chloé Zuel
Photographer: Charlie Dennington
Stylist: Philippa Moroney
Hair: Madison Voloshin
Make-up: Joel Babicci
5 / 21
Vogue China
“Creative power in China is strong and promising. Even in the time of pandemic, we still see a lot of new talents, artists and designers coming up and doing their works on various platforms and media. We featured some of them in this Creativity issue. We see the energy, creativity and individuality and inclusivity in them.” —Denise Suen, Interim editor-in-chief, Vogue China
Image: NO LIMIT by Qinmin Li
6 / 21
Vogue Czechoslovakia
“Ever since it was launched, Vogue Czechoslovakia has been cooperating on a regular basis with artists and using its platforms to mediate encounters that might not have taken place otherwise. We perceive creativity as the ability to overcome stereotypes, as constant discovering, as a never-ending process arising from mixing different worlds, approaches and ways of thinking. It is difficult to define creativity, yet it is rather easy to describe its procedures. That is what we tried to achieve with our March issue, on which we collaborated with sisters Linda and Daniela Dostálková. They participated in its creation not only as curators, but also as co-authors of several portfolios including one of our cover stories. Among other things, we have used a video of a Dagestan artist Taus Makhacheva—Super Taus as a reference. The stone, symbolising an obstacle that needs to be removed, is a topic more than current these days, and it can stand for de facto anything. “Good art is trying to make people better, to motivate them to be human and to be responsible for other sentient beings,” says one of the three covers stars in an interview.” —Andrea Běhounková, editor-in-chief, Vogue Czechoslovakia
Photographer: Marcin Kempski / I LIKE PHOTO
Creative directors: Jan Kralicek, Daniela a Linda Dostalkova
Set design: Deborah Sadoun
Production: Mikolaj Jazwiecki / I LIKE PHOTO, Radek Nieroda / I LIKE PHOTO, Rozalie Perinova
Photographer’s assistants: Theophile Parat, Adrien Turlais, Lena Mezlef
Set design assistants: Melissa Dureuil, Lucie Petit
7 / 21
Vogue Germany
“Creativity is a journey. Our experiences shape our creative spirit and to nourish this spirit, it is important to go through the world with open eyes—now more than ever. Creativity helps us meet the challenges this world is facing and find better, fairer, more inclusive, more sustainable and more beautiful solutions to them—even in tough times.” —Stephanie Neureuter, beauty director, Vogue Germany
Talent: Peggy Gou
Photographer: Maik Schuster c/o I AM HERE
Stylist: Stefanie Klopf
Make-up: Yvonne Wengler
Produced by ICONOCLAST
Executive producer (Vogue Germany): Alexandra Bondi De Antoni
Art direction (Vogue Germany): Tereza Mundilová
8 / 21
Vogue Japan
“As the threat of COVID-19 overtakes the world, we were urged to refrain from“non-essential” actions.This raised a number of fundamental questions in our own lives, such as whether fashion and art could be an essential part of our lives. The designs that symbolise Japanese fashion, in particular, are not always designed with functionality first in mind. However, I believe that the creativity of Japanese designers, who always seek to explore new beauty by breaking the norms, encourages us to find the strength to move forward and find new visions in the difficult times. For this reason, I decided to focus on Japanese creativity in this issue. In Japan, there is a belief that the spirit and mind exists in each object. Many of the new-generation designers are attempting to create adventurous designs using sustainable materials in their collections. It is not “non-essential”, because it demonstrates an imagination that envisions hope for the post-corona era.” —Mitsuko Watanabe, editor-in-chief, Vogue Japan
Kunihiko Morinaga, Anrealage’s designer is known for his usage of high tech light-reflective fabric. Morinaga called 2021SS collection “Home” and created “tent dresses”, a look that can be made into a dress but which can also be worn, in collaboration with Japanese manufacturer Shikibo Ltd., combining antibacterial originally developed to protect against influenza. This shot is taken with Ken Yoneya and Julia’s art work Spider (2018) created with Uranium glass, metal wire and UV lights.
Photographer: Jiro Konami
Stylist: Saori Masuda
Hair: Takayuki Nukui at Home Agency
Make-up: Kotomi at Hitome
Manicure: Naoko Takano at Nadine
Models: Ai Hahizume and Haruka Toyoda
Editor/Production: Yui Sugiyama
Coordination: Kurumi Fukutsu
Styling Assistants: Ayaka Oshida and Mayuka Haruna
Shot on location at Kadokawa Culture Museum, teamLab Acorn Forest in Musashino Woods Park, teamLab Borderless Tokyo
9 / 21
Vogue Greece
“In the words of the famous Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis “by believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it.” For us creativity is passion. The passion to make something magical from scratch, to build a new world, to find light in everything. In these difficult times creativity is what makes all of us smile and believe in a brighter future full of beautiful moments.” —Thaleia Karafyllidou, editor-in-chief, Vogue Greece
Photographer: George Katsanakis
Stylist: George Karapetis
Hair: Christos Bairabas
Make-up: Efi Ramone
Model: Leah de Warvin / D Models
Photographer’s assistant: Dimitris Katsanakis
Stylist’s assistant: Chrysa Chroni
Shot at Jannis Varelas Studio, featuring his artworks
10 / 21
Vogue Italia
“I think Vogue must always take sides with things that are innovative, diverse, and courageous, and unexpected. It has to make its voice heard to remind everyone that ideas, and beauty, truly can move mountains. Always, now more than ever, creativity must nonetheless be at the service of the message. It’s not about creating a sensation for the sake of it, but about knowing how to start a conversation, challenging preconceptions and stereotypes, and ultimately having a real impact on people’s lives. Without forgetting that, as a philosopher wrote 2,500 years ago, whoever wants to move the world should first move themselves”. —Emanuele Farneti, editor-in-chief, Vogue Italia
Goldschmied & Chiari
All’alba di un tramonto, 2020
stampa digitale su copertina, dettaglio dell’opera Untitled Views
11 / 21
Vogue India
“What does creativity mean in 2021? Between the pandemic, climate change, big tech and the need for real representation, creativity finds itself moving towards a more actionable, diverse and aware sensibility and mission. In these complex times, our March Creativity special issue celebrates the people leading the new wave of creativity; both in and outside of India, across discipline, purpose and the gender spectrum—be it through sustainable practices, inclusive agendas, democratising tech or balancing the interplay between the commercial and creative.” —Priya Tanna, editor-in-chief, Vogue India
Aravani Art Project is a collective movement working to empower the trans community in India through creativity. The mural made as part of St+art’s Lodhi Art Festival is a collaborative celebration of identity and representation.
Photo: Poornima Sukumar
12 / 21
Vogue Korea
“Creativity is recreating the past and future with the view which is relevant today. The work is conducted by two different teams. The first group is one with people who are young and talented, while the other has people who have pursued creativity for a long time and are skilful. Collaborating between these two groups always leads to fresh concepts. Vogue Korea collaborates with various people no matter what their age or genre for the cover and inner pages. I think creativity comes when all people work within a free and passionate atmosphere.” —Kwangho Shin, editor-in-chief, Vogue Korea
Photographer: Hyea W. Kang
Artist: Heecheon Kim
Fashion director: Eunyoung Sohn
Fashion editor: Hyunji Nam
Hair: Junghan Kim
Make-up: Hyesoo You
Model: Hyunji Shin
13 / 21
Vogue Mexico & Latin America
“When I was a young I thought that only people who drew well in art class were creative. I didn’t realise until much later that creativity cannot be defined by one specific ability or art form but instead was using one’s imagination without limits to discover new ideas, ways of doing things and possibilities.
Creativity knows no bounds or limits. We each use it to find solutions in different situations, daily. In doing that we each are creative in ways that are not always seen or celebrated. As editors we aim to showcase the wonder of new ideas and creative forms of expression in our content everyday. From uncovering the creators of today, to sharing stories of legends that deserve to be known, and producing imagery from cover pages to portraits.
We are fuelled by the unlimited source of inspiration to celebrate all creativity.” —Karla Martinez de Salas, editor-in-chief, Vogue Mexico & Latin America
Photographer: Sam Youkilis
14 / 21
Vogue Netherlands
“Be it in science or in fashion, there is always beauty in creativity. Beauty that, as I have come to rely on more and more in these trying times, offers joy and even consolation. The March issue celebrates the young, bold talent whose creations convey a sense of optimism and inspire us to see in new ways.” —Rinke Tjepkema, editor-in-chief, Vogue Netherlands
Photographer: Julia Noni
Stylist: Dimphy den Otter
Make-up: Siddhartha Simone / Julian Watson Agency
Manicure: Virginie Mataja / Airport Agency
Model: Maty Fall Diba / IMG Models
Production: Tobias Brahmst @ Shape Production
Set design: A+V Sebastien Michelini @ Swan Mgmt
15 / 21
Vogue Paris
“This issue shows the global panorama of creativity from past, present to future. From the heritage of Pierre Cardin’s huge visionary creativity to the dynamic of young designers. Fashion more than ever remains one of the most beautiful territories for creative expression.” —Emmanuelle Alt, editor-in-chief, Vogue Paris
Photographer: David Sims
16 / 21
Vogue Poland
“We believe creativity is the freedom to question the norm and challenge ourselves to forge new standards. It has been Vogue Poland’s intention from the very beginning to highlight Polish craftsmanship. The fashion illustration we commissioned from Tomasz Opaliński harks back to the folk tradition of paper cutouts—a fresh take on an almost forgotten art form by one of the country’s most promising young graphic designers. We take pride in looking ahead while celebrating our heritage.” —Filip Niedenthal, editor-in-chief, Vogue Poland
Image: Tomasz Opaliński’s illustration inspired by the spring/summer Versace collection
17 / 21
Vogue Russia
“The long-standing debate about whether the artist needs complete freedom or whether restrictions only spur the flight of imagination has unfolded with renewed force over the past year. How to create art, literature, fashion in the world of pandemic and lockdown? Where to get inspiration from? How to choose materials and textiles for the collections, once you can not touch the texture, feel it, see the actual colour through the screen. How to teach future designers if lecture halls, museums and workshops are closed? How to stay internally free in the world of cancelled culture and ubiquitous hate?
We talked about all this with the heroes of our issue: young designers and teachers of art universities, directors and writers, photographers and stylists.
And to prove that no restrictions on creative freedom are a hindrance, we shot three covers with young and successful Russian photographers and with Russian models led by Natalia Vodianova. We were inspired by the Russian avant-garde: from Malevich to Petrov-Vodkin. And the life of a butterfly, which at the right moment always breaks the tight, shackling cocoon to appear to the world free and beautiful.” —Masha Fedorova, editor-in-chief, Vogue Russia
18 / 21
Vogue Spain
“Every blank space is a challenge for creativity, every Vogue issue an excuse to move it further, with the invaluable help of the talent and audacity historically associated with our brand. In our March issue, the artists, photographers, stylists and writers that build our particular and unique creative community have been invited to portrait our present, homage our past and define our future, in an especially uncertain but exciting context. Their visions, ideas and commitment have always taken Vogue’s narrative to a different level, and so will now. More than ever, it is time to celebrate creativity and go deep on our responsibility of promoting and celebrating the amazing minds that make it reach new horizons.” —Inés Lorenzo, deputy editor, Vogue Spain
19 / 21
Vogue Thailand
“Creativity is all about the imagination and the ability to translate ideas into works that are original and inspiring. At Vogue the mission to celebrate creative minds is a long held tradition honoured with the team and I. With every issue, we devote time and focus to local designers, photographers and artists who innovate the industry and enrich our minds with new ways of looking at our heritage and their craft. Many of them are talents whose unique viewpoint we have fostered over the years with the goal of elevating them to an international audience. My hope is that this issue allows those nuances to continue to make a difference.” —Kullawit Laosuksri, editor-in-chief, Vogue Thailand
Image: For the Future of Our Next Generation by Naraphat Sakarthornsap
20 / 21
Vogue Ukraine
“Being creative is absolutely essential nowadays, not only to people working in creative industries, but to anyone wishing to get noticed and succeed. You have to be creative in the way you dress, in your social life, workplace, relationship. Vogue UA’s March issue is showcasing the most inspiring examples of creativity and suggesting upon how to improve yours.” —Philipp Vlasov, editor-in-chief, Vogue Ukraine
Photographers: Synchrodogs (Ukrainian photography duo of Tania Shcheglova and Roman Noven)
Model: Tania Shcheglova of Synchrodogs
21 / 21
Vogue Hong Kong
“Dig deep. Dive deep. Remain persistent, even when your journey down to the abyss may seem to lead nowhere. The spirit of creativity will always guide you to the place you need to be.” —Kat Yeung, editor-in-chief, Vogue Hong Kong
Image: Visitors pose for photos with Argentine conceptual artist Leandro Erlich’s installation “Swimming Pool” of his exhibition entitled “Liminal” at the Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA) in Buenos Aires on October 18, 2019.(Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)
