June 2020 Magazine Covers We Loved and Hated

We’ve already addressed how magazines are adapting to the new normal. With social distancing still ~~enforced~~ encouraged in most places, putting together a cover is no easy feat. Not only do you have to figure out a way to style and shoot your cover subject(s) of choice, you need to keep in mind the ongoing pandemic and what seems appropriate in these trying times.

Which mags directly referenced the health crisis?

For June 2020, some mags opted to directly acknowledge the current state of affairs. Take U.S. Vogue’s respectful shot of an Irving Penn picture of a rose for its double issue. While Vogue Netherlands used several model shots to reinforce its “Alone, together” tagline.

Which ones took a more glamour-minded approach?

On the flip side, many publications offered up glamorous distractions. There was a truly gorgeous shot of Judi Dench on British Vogue. Vogue Japan presented several “simply styled” models for its June 2020 installment. Marie Claire went old school for its Dakota Johnson shot and Vogue China gave us an interesting Billie Eilish image. And Miley Cyrus served as star and stylist for the digital issue of WSJ. Magazine. See all of the best and worst June 2020 covers in the slideshow above.

June 2020 Covers

Vogue

For its landmark June/July cover, Vogue uses an unpublished Irving Penn picture of a rose to respectfully address the ongoing health crisis.
Vogue UK

Judi Dench stuns in this gorgeous portrait shot.
ELLE UK

We’re big fans of Florence Pugh and this cover.
InStyle

We love the simplicity and sophistication of this shot of Carey Mulligan.
Marie Claire

Dakota Johnson is really selling the retro vibes here.
Harper's Bazaar UK

Although Rachel Weisz’s outfit isn’t super summery, the flowers make this cover season-appropriate.
Allure

While we love the makeup, the outfit doesn’t exactly scream summer.
Vogue Japan

Once again, the magazine opts for a multi-model cover. And once again, the result is underwhelming.
Vogue China

There’s something oddly alluring about this shot of Billie Eilish.
WSJ. Magazine

Miley Cyrus did everything for the mag’s latest digital cover, from picking her ensemble to applying her own makeup.
Marie Claire Australia

Not the most striking shot of Elle Fanning, but still pretty delightful.
Vogue Netherlands

The publication takes a collage approach in this era of social distancing.
ELLE Canada

Sandra Oh is the victim of some unfortunate styling.