Takashi Murakami is obviously the perfect candidate to illustrate the cover of Vogue Japan and while I'm not a Murakami admirer, I can appreciate the happiness and joy in which the bright cover projects (unlike most other illustrated covers of late).
Thank GOD for Luigi & Iango, whose two stories are the highlight of the issue. The layout of 'Sketch Book Style' reminds me of those Calvin Klein ads with Kate Moss and Jamie Dornan from 2006. I just love that shot of Sacha Quenby in the black coat with the quilted shoulders - and of course those solo shots of Vittoria Ceretti are just as gorgeous. Nothing but love for them.
Praise for L&I aside, Nathaniel Goldberg's story is rather beautiful and I'm drawn to just about every shot. Aylah Peterson is rapidly becoming a star, and she looks fantastic here. I love the use of the pink and red looks against the greenery and stone. A very VERY solid issue!