The Best Vogue Covers of 2020

By: Lauryn Jiles

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on people and industries worldwide this year. In the fashion industry, major retailers saw a decrease in sales, and large companies like J.C. Penny, Brooks Brothers, and Barneys New York filed for bankruptcy. Change also made its way to the editorial side of the industry, with major layoffs at Condé Nast and editors questioning the future of print. During the Black Lives Matter protests earlier this year, former Black employees of fashion magazines and online publications spoke out about discrimination they faced at these publications. Anna Wintour’s future at Vogue was questioned after The New York Times published an article about how employees of color were sidelined for decades at Vogue.

After the global pandemic hit, magazine publications and designers got creative with covers and photoshoots. Simon Porte Jacquemus shot his campaign for the brand with model Bella Hadid over FaceTime and publications like Vogue México and Vogue Italia commissioned art for their covers, while Vogue Portugal and British Vogue featured people wearing masks and frontline workers of the pandemic. With the fashion world changing to adapt to trying times, we were happy to see creativity kept alive, as it is what viewers, readers, and fashion lovers care about the most. As we approach a new year, let’s take a look back on some of our favorite Vogue covers from around the world published in 2020.

Vogue Paris

For the July 2020 issue of Vogue Paris, model Natasja Madsen was shot by Henrik Purienne for a special summer issue wearing a Louis Vuitton bikini. For their December 2020 issue, editors chose French actress, Léa Seydoux, highlighting her talent, thoughts, and childhood memories in the issue. For their May/June issue, the publication shot two different covers with sisters and models, Gigi and Bella Hadid, celebrating fashion. Bella stunned on this cover in Dior, styled by Editor-in-Chief Emmanuelle Alt.

Vogue Taiwan

Vogue Taiwan’s March 2020 issue featured model Chin Chin Hsu on the cover. Photographer Dan Martensen traveled to over 15 locations in Taipei, Taiwan to create a 36-page cover story featuring four Taiwanese models. Vogue Taiwan’s Editor-in-Chief, Leslie Sun, spoke about dedicating this issue to her hometown. Taiwanese actor Shu Qi was the cover star for their December 2020 issue where she discussed the start of her acting career. For their July issue, Vogue Taiwan featured Taiwanese artist John Yuyi.

Vogue Czechoslovakia

The October issue of Vogue Czechoslovakia featured model Lineisy Montero sporting Helmut Lang photographed by Nagi Sakai. The April issue of the publication focused on women and intimacy, featuring model Flora Kovacs posing on the cover in red tights, gloves, and lipstick. Their June ‘Bedtime Story’ issue featured Kylie Jenner and her daughter Stormi, photographed over FaceTime while the two were quarantined in their Los Angeles home.

Vogue Arabia

For their ‘Stay Home’ issue, which debuted in May, Vogue Arabia featured model Imaan Hammam and focused on spreading the message to quarantine and prevent the spread of COVID-19. In the ‘A New Awakening’ issue from January, Tilila Oulhaj confides in readers about her rare skin condition. For their July/August issue, they featured Kourtney Kardashian and talked all things “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”

Vogue Brazil

Model Mariana Santana was Vogue Brazil’s cover star for their June issue, where she spoke about fashion and nature. Ingrid Silva served as the cover star for the digital cover of Vogue Brazil in November. The 31-year-old activist and ballerina, who is pregnant with her first child, spoke about motherhood and the fears of progression. Model Emilly Nunes graced the cover in September, where photographer Hick Duarte captured 12 Amazon activists as the centerpiece of Vogue Brazil’s ‘Hope’ September 2020 issue.

Vogue Hong Kong

For their October issue, Vogue Hong Kong featured 33-year-old Italian fashion entrepreneur, Chiara Ferragni. Euphoria and Spider-Man actress, Zendaya, served looks on the cover of Vogue Hong Kong’s November edition, wearing a Louis Vuitton ensemble styled by Law Roach. In this issue shot by photographer, Djeneba Aduayom, Zendaya discussed future roles, winning an Emmy award, and fashion design. The theme for Vogue Hong’s February issue was ‘Love Under the Lens of Fashion’ and featured Bella Hadid in Burberry. This cover was shot by Zoey Grossman at The Carlyle Hotel in New York City.

Vogue Netherlands

Vogue Netherlands kicked off their March edition with model Anok Yai, in an issue discussing all things fashion and her career as a model. Their November edition, entirely dedicated to motherhood, featured Dutch supermodel, Romee Strijd, who spoke about her struggle with infertility. For their October issue, they went in a different direction and featured 20 different students on covers, including 18-year-old student, Irene Plange. Editor-in-Chief Rinke Tjepkema dedicated the cover to Gen-Z, stating “I didn’t want to just make a Vogue issue about [Gez-Z] and their power, I wanted to make it with that generation. I was impressed by the self-awareness, worldviews, and open-mindedness of the kids, who all have impressive stories and talents.”

Vogue Germany

Model Adwoa Aboah shined on the cover of Vogue Germany’s March issue, where she spoke about her struggles with mental health and life as a model. For their January cover, Vogue Germany featured Heidi Klum and her 16-year-old daughter, Leni Klum in an issue focused on mother-daughter relationships. For the February issue, Anok Yai was photographed by Gregory Harris and styled by fashion director Nicola Knels, in a Balenciaga ensemble.

Vogue Ukraine

The July/August cover of Vogue Ukraine featured model Giselle Norman, in an issue dedicated to the great outdoors and the simple things in life. Vogue Ukraine celebrated beauty in their January ‘Mirror Mirror’ issue with cover star, Stephanie Gurzanski, photographed by Greg Lotus. In this issue, the publication focused on the Vogue Beauty app and the best body care and makeup products for the winter season.

Vogue Italia

In an issue dedicated to Italian beauty, model Maty Fall stunned on the February 2020 cover of Vogue Italia. For their September issue, they created 100 covers with 100 different people and stories. In one issue, cover model Adesuwa Aighewi talked about her career and experiences in the fashion industry. The July/August issue of Vogue Italia, ‘About Happiness,’ featured three models on the cover and included a letter from the Editor on the possibility of happiness after an incredibly rough year.

Vogue Japan

Vogue Japan’s August cover girl was none other than Kim Kardashian. Aside from an interview with Kardashian, Vogue Japan highlighted the power of influencers and Japanese fashion in this issue. Model Cocomi was on the cover of Vogue Japan’s May issue wearing Dior Beauty makeup and photographed by duo Luigi and Lango. She spoke about her passion for music, playing the violin and the flute, graduating high school, and her plans for the future. Models Anok Yai and Grace Elizabeth served as the cover stars for Vogue Japan’s January issue, photographed by Nick Knight.

Vogue China

Liu Yifei, actress and star of Disney’s live-action Mulan, was the cover star of Vogue China’s April issue. The actress talked about starring in Mulan and growing in her acting career. Model Liu Wen stunned on the cover of the November issue, titled ‘Through Her Eyes,’ which showcased female artists showing different sides of the modern woman. In February, Vogue China featured multiple models on the cover in an issue highlighting diverse beauty.

Vogue Portugal

In the April edition of Vogue Portugal, Adam Bardy and Bibiána Baltovičová, a model and couple duo, served as mask-wearing cover stars to portray a time-capsule of 2020. In this issue, Vogue Portugal discussed COVID-19 and the world’s new normal. Vogue Portugal’s love-themed issue for December featured three different covers. The red lip cover featured model Laura Hanson Sims, while the third cover pictured models Anu and Bong Kim photographed by Jamie Nelson and Lara Alegre.

Vogue Mexico

In the April edition of Vogue Portugal, Adam Bardy and Bibiána Baltovičová, a model and couple duo, served as mask-wearing cover stars to portray a time-capsule of 2020. In this issue, Vogue Portugal discussed COVID-19 and the world’s new normal. Vogue Portugal’s love-themed issue for December featured three different covers. The red lip cover featured model Laura Hanson Sims, while the third cover pictured models Anu and Bong Kim photographed by Jamie Nelson and Lara Alegre.

Vogue Greece

In their July/August issue, Vogue Greece captured Esther Mastroyianni in an issue celebrating Greek beauty and heritage. In their ‘Love Will Keep Us Safe’ issue for May, Vogue Greece shared stories of love from couples in Greece and featured Sasha Pivovarova on the cover. Bella Hadid shined on the April cover in an issue celebrating the publication’s first anniversary and sending a message of unity in the era of the coronavirus pandemic.

Vogue Korea

For the July edition of Vogue Korea, actor Kim Tae-Ri graced the cover of the magazine and talked about her career as an actor. Model Liya Kebede posed on the December cover, photographed by Chris Colls. South Korean rapper, G-Dragon, wore Chanel on the cover of Vogue Korea for their November edition and shared the inspiration behind his music.

Vogue Spain

For the May issue of Vogue Spain, editors opted for an illustration rather than a photograph. The illustration, created by Ignasi Monreal, portrays the feeling of uncertainty—a sensation that hits close to home during the ongoing pandemic. For their August cover photographer Miguel Reveriego captured model Miriam Sánchez in Madrid and in November, actor Indya Moore opened up about struggle and success within their career.

Vogue India

For their ‘Women of the Year’ edition, Vogue India featured KK Shailaja as their November cover star. KK Shailaja serves as Kerala’s minister for health, social justice, and women and child development. Norah Jones graced the cover of Vogue India’s September Issue, ‘A Share of Hope.’ Star of the drama series, Pose, Indya Moore, starred in the November edition and spoke about being an advocate for the Black and Trans community.

Vogue Thailand

In June, Vogue Thailand highlighted front-line workers who have been providing essential services for others during the pandemic. Model Binx Walton was featured on the May issue wearing Maison Valentino, in a shot captured by Angelo Pennetta on a railroad in Thailand. In the March issue, models Qin Lie, Aaliyah Hydes, Nyarach Ayuel, and Jamily Meurer spoke about their experiences working in the fashion industry.

Vogue Turkey

Photographed by Cihan Öncü, model Hana Jirickova graced the cover of Vogue Turkey’s September ‘Hope’ issue, wearing Miu Miu. Model Steffi Cook enjoyed the summer sun on the July issue, captured by Pauline Suzor in the Swedish countryside. Model Jourdan Dunn posed on the November cover in an issue dedicated to femininity and confidence, photographed by Cuneyt Akeroglu.