They'll sink down to 50 pages and they still won't be shut down! I think it's just because W looks nice on CN's roster, and that's that.
Re this Natalia special edition, I won't begrudge her that. Ipersonally won't be getting this issue though. She had a great career and all, but her name is certainly not the first which comes to mind when you brainstorm such an idea. She's certainly not a supermodel. Last I've heard her solo US Vogue couture cover sold poorly, as did her VF style cover. So getting this must have something to do with the Arnaults. Normally these type of special editions are reserved for Kate and Naomi because they have the diversity in modelling and career span to back that up. I recall Vogue Australia also used to do these single model issues a while back, and every time whoever they chose followed through with great features. It can work, but I think the storyline we'll be spoon-fed here (more important than her editorials here) isn't original at all.
In order to survive, W would need to increase their audience. And it's such a mystery because the EIC's vision is evident and they're still booking high profile photographers and celebrities. But if the editing is poor, all of that will count for naught. Hopefully now that Edward left, someone new will come in with fresh ideas to turn this magazine around. I wouldn't be opposed to immensely commercial covers if it means that they can run wild with editorial ideas. That was after all McCarthy's concept, and it worked. He had Angelina, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth rounded out y supers, but everyone knew it's what's inside that mattered.
