W, October
This is one of those love-it-or-hate-it covers. I love it. Its intentionally unintentional nature violates most of the conventions of fashion magazines, whose pictures are lit, controlled and crafted to sell models, images and clothing. This cover shot by Pierpalo Ferrari features '90s supermodel Linda Evangelista, photographed outdoors holding a cardboard sign that reads, "It Must Be Somebody's Fault." What is "It"? The recession, or the financial woes that have hit the poor fashion and art worlds? This picture is full of contradictions. What's a famous model, beautifully dressed, doing holding a cardboard sign? What aggrieved parties is she speaking for? Is this trenchant social commentary or the petulant complaint of the privileged class? Take your pick. It's the magazine's art issue, and art shouldn't provide an easy answer. But at least it makes you think.