If you’re an avid British Harper’s Bazaar reader like we are, you should automatically know what to expect from the cover each month. On occasion, the magazine ditches its idyllic countryside lifestyle aesthetic — but not this month. The publication welcomes back an old favorite for October 2018, making Cate Blanchett its cover star for the umpteenth time (our forum members sounded the “overexposure alert” the last time she graced British Bazaar). The Aussie actress naturally makes a stunning return, photographed outdoors by Will Davidson and styled by Charlie Harrington. Cate wears red velvet Gucci in the glamorous newsstand cover (below) and works a sequined Giorgio Armani suit in the subscribers cover (after the jump).
There was one thing holding our forum members back from giving the covers their full approval. “Definitely not the right makeup for this shot (it’s far too light), but I love it! Such a perfect autumn shot. The ruched velvet looks lovely, mad about the backdrop, just wish Cate could’ve cracked a smile at least. More of Will Davidson please!” said Benn98 the moment the cover dropped.
“Oh, yes! Will Davidson’s aesthetic is suited perfectly to British Harper’s Bazaar and even though the magazine insists on using the same old concept, Davidson’s work has felt like a breath of fresh air over the past two months. The newsstand cover is beautiful, love the red and find the shot overall to be just perfect for October,” said vogue28.
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“How nice to see a straightforward, effortlessly elegant, and tonally timeless shot full of a gentlewoman’s mood and radiance. And with an equally relaxed layout. And the subscribers cover is solid as well. October is starting out strong and leaving September in the dust so far,” Phuel wrote.
But not everyone was so thrilled. “The makeup really washes her out and demonstrates a weird contrast to the richness of the dress. They might be going for juxtaposition but to me, it just doesn’t work,” critiqued Ken Doll Jenner.
“I wondered whether the cover would look more striking on the newsstand, but the makeup is as washed-out as the scan suggests,” mentioned tigerrouge.
“I really like it, but the makeup just doesn’t work here,” echoed SLFC.
Are you a fan of Cate’s makeup? Have your say here.