UK Harper’s Bazaar May 2023 : Elle Fanning by Alexi Lubomirski

[oaklee91]

Beautiful. I know the concept might not be new but I can’t lie. It is beautiful.

 

[tigerrouge]

Finally got my subscription copy, 186 pages, no supplement. The masthead on the cover is a flat reflective gold, but the rest of the text is matt brown, so the overall impression is a dreamy haze. On one hand, you expect a cover to have distinctive elements that stand out, which this doesn't have... but on the other hand, the image definitely sells a romantic mood.

Flicking through it, why am I seeing the same Chanel ads they ran a year ago, for their 22 bag? Perhaps they realise the Bazaar readership might not be so persuaded by a campaign relying on the appeal of K-pop.

Having shot the cover, an article also highlights an exhibition of Lubomirski's work at Claridges to accompany the release of his book, 'The Sittings (2003 - 2023)', which features a lot of his work for Bazaar.

In addition to the cover story, the fashion editorials include the 16-pg HER DARK MATERIALS, with Wang Han, shot by Efi Gousi, styled by Leith Clark. it's supposed to be gothic, but it's more an editorial set in a posh house which starts out with moody dark lighting, but ends up with sunlight against grey or golden walls.

LIONS, TIGERS AND HEIRS is an 8-pg interview featuring Marchioness of Bath, Emma Thynn, shot by Simon Upton, styled by Miranda Almond. BELTANE REVELS is a 16-pg edit shot by Terence Connors, styled by Cathy Kasterine, featuring a bunch of young models having fun in a field, as if there's a small festival happening nearby. The fashion sections rounds off with the short written piece TOO GOOD TO WEAR from author Rowan Hisayo Buchanan. The beauty section has the Rococo-inspired PORTRAITS OF A LADY, with Rui Faria, styled by Holly Gorst.

This issue contains a lot of romantic beauty - some of the editorials seem simplistic in comparison to others, but the theme is consistently presented to us throughout the issue.

That said, when is UK Bazaar not about castles and country houses? When Justine Picardie was there, I think we did see more emphasis on manicured gardens in addition to the interiors of stately homes, but overall, the formula never changes. If it's not your thing, it's nice in small doses but ultimately boring after a while, but if it IS your thing, it's a welcome oasis away from what else is available.