UK Harper's Bazaar September 2025 : Mariah Carey by Alexi Lubomirski

[Phuel]

Has September replaced August at Hearst UK? One big collections editorial and not much else fashion wise both in HB and Elle...

September’s become a nonevent nowadays, unfortunately. It really does look and feel like an August issue.

But Emma’s shoot is the only reason for this issue: Aylah styled to look like an 80s mannequin-come-to-life on the cover select should have been the look throughout the entire shoot. She really has the hardcore Stepford Wife features, it’s uncannily, surreally, beyond gorgeous-- and eerie, like an old Mesiel shoot for Franca's Vogue.

Mariah’s could have taken beyond the unexpected and styled as a Jessica Rabbit/Jayne Mansfield bombshell— resplendent, decadent, glitttering and absolutely fabulous in corseted Dolce, Gaultier, and classic Versace. But unfortunate that her branding is so strict and insistent on this permanent butterflies/roses/windblown hair CVS budget fragrance signature. She’s so capable of much much much more— just like she’s more than her horrid Christmas and Disney soundtracks: “The Roof” is one of the greatest vibe ever created. She’s the last of the great pop icons that still look amazing— if only she took a chance.

 

[Ludwig]

i loved Aylah's editorial. I don't know why Meisel never worked with her.. she always delivers

 

[Squizree]

It's nice to see Mariah in minimal colors and shapes but it's a cliche I'm so tired of. It's one of those 'stamps' magazines try to put on someone when editors decide they now need to be 'taken seriously'. @Phuel hit the nail. Why not lean into Mariah's ridiculous bulletproof camp?

But it's because Mariah never needed the blessing or gimmicks of the fashion industry to forge such a dominant career. Unlike someone like, say, Rihanna (cuz JLo would be too obvious). Mariah has to be TRANSFORMED before she can receive the industry's 'favor'.

 

[djowodjo30]

Downton Revisited

Celebrity : Michelle Dockery & Laura Carmichael
Styling : Grace Clark
Photo : Phillip Sinden



HB UK digital