Vogue Arabia May 2017 : Pooja Mor by Ben Hassett

[vogue28]

 

[Miss Dalloway]

This looks like a beauty or jewelry feature opening shot. Not feeling it for a cover, a non event.

 

[tigerrouge]

Given the state of covers these days, I'm happy to settle for a close-up shot of a gorgeous woman.

Perhaps they're limited in how much of the body they can show on the cover, so I'm not surprised the focus is on beauty and jewellery. It might be like this for a lot of their issues.

 

[MON]

Nah. I agree with Miss Dalloway, this to me looks like the intro page for a Vogue Paris Bijoux or watch special.

What bothers me so far is that we're 3 issues in, and I am not seeing any direction. It's too early to say, but it's a troubling start.

And the layout needs some serious work, plus the logo part looks so undone. Overall it looks amature

 

[DutchHomme]

I quite like it

Don't forget this is Vogue Arabia (different culture/different look at fashion)

 

[Nuit]

Beauty contract for Pooja!!!

 

[Benn98]

Nah. I agree with Miss Dalloway, this to me looks like the intro page for a Vogue Paris Bijoux or watch special.

What bothers me so far is that we're 3 issues in, and I am not seeing any direction. It's too early to say, but it's a troubling start.

Well spotted! This cover was shot by the same Ben Hassett who shoots VP's beauty stories. I'm perhaps a bit biased because I absolutely adore his work, but my fancy tickles towards the darkness and intensity of this image. What does bother me is the cheap-looking art direction and excess jewels. Surely there must be more to the UAE than flaunting their wealth.

This is also the first issue under the new EIC, you'll recall Princess Deena is no longer. I can aleady see the guy is wasting no time to steer into a different direction. But even though he's Brazilian, he does have a lot of experience in that market. So let's see.

 

[kokobombon]

Another closeup?
why not a full shot? is it a cultural thing?

 

[Benn98]

Another closeup?
why not a full shot? is it a cultural thing?

Ooh, you may well be right! Didn't actually thinknof that. Most ME covers I've seen was mostly shot from the shoulders up.

 

[RedSmokeRise]

Happy for Pooja but what a let down.

 

[333101]

Pooja doesn't quite work overall, still pleased to see her though

 

[Phuel]

The floating-head syndrome strikes again. If only they showed her hair, the shot would look so much fuller, stronger, more cover-worthy.

I’ve liked their covers so far. There’s something very much about bucking the trend and tradition of Vogue covers that have come to resemble more and more of catalogue shots with these strong closeups and dark color-palettes; that, and the 3 coverstars have been simply gorgeous women so appropriate for their region. But there’s always something just shy of a strong fashion statement with VA so far. The art direction isn’t helping any either. Although, I do understand and appreciate their minimalist approach— unlike so many Vogues with their wall of words or floating coverlines looking like comic bubbles. They need refinement and hire someone who understands typefaces and composition. You’re not VI, so this type of bare-bone and deliberately first-draft art direction doesn’t work here.

Still superior to many Vogue covers out there. (Just thinking of those Vogue Mexico covers with Lara is enough to make me appreciate this a little more.)

 

[KateTheGreatest]

A bit dark for May, but I like it. Very happy for Pooja too.

 

[Bruce7Lee]

Pooja is no doubt one of the most beautiful models in the industry right now.

 

[TeeVanity]

Stunning cover choice, I've been pleased by Vogue Arabia's offerings so far.

 

[Les_Sucettes]

Like i said about the last issue, Vogue Arabia is just like a redistribution of Vogue Paris content. The cover image, beautiful as it is, is just, like MON said, your monthly Vogue Bijoux. I'm still to understand what is the vision for this mag, at the moment they have no identity.

 

[narcyza]

What a beautiful cover.

 

[GivenchyHomme]

Very Vogue Paris Bijoux. A product shouldn't be featured this prominently on a close up cover. It makes it automatically look like an advertisement. The jewelry is definitely taking the attention away from Pooja.

 

[maxlinden]

They were on a roll with the Princess, now no one will care about this region.

Back to the naff imagery I guess

 

[Nomar]

I think they overdid it with the jewelry and I wish it wasn't so dark. Nonetheless, it's still a strong shot.