Like this time last year, we have decided to dedicate the January issue to the environment, once again coinciding with the publication of the
Twelve months ago, we launched a small symbolic message by producing an entire issue without fashion photography. In doing so we reduced our carbon footprint, at least for one month, and offered a reminder that we can’t expect others to change their ways unless each of us is prepared to demonstrate our own commitment first.
This time we wanted to let animals take over our physical and digital space. It is an invitation to refocus on the natural world after months spent at home, drawing our attention back to the environmental emergency that has been made no less urgent by the tragedy of the pandemic, and highlighting a lesson from the year that has just ended: quite simply, that the world does not revolve around humans.
Starting with the rich set of covers, we chose not to offer a consoling and domestic image of natural life. Instead, our portrayal is as plural as possible. And when necessary it’s disquieting, sometimes even threatening. This issue of lambs and wolves, of panthers and mice challenges the illusion of an anthropocentric world, as in the moral fable on this issue and in the many reports and stories that unfold page after page. Animals do not exist for our purpose, nor as a function of what we would like them to be. It is almost too simple to stress how much we’ve been reminded of this by the effects of coronavirus, by the way it came into existence and how it has impacted our lives, freeing up spaces that wildlife has at least temporarily reclaimed for itself. And it seems almost too obvious that the fashion industry, like any other economic activity, must ask itself where the limits lie in the exploitation of natural resources, and what prospects are offered by technological progress.
After all, at this turning point in our age, it’s worth remembering that throughout history our efforts to understand and define ourselves as humans have always been closely bound to the way we see and depict animals – from rock carvings to ancient bestiaries, from the development of the arts and sciences to legends of every latitude and cabinets of curiosities, right down to the riot of puppies and fanciful digital creatures on social media. In our decisions affecting the future of the planet, animals will be the first and only judges called on to deliver the verdict.
As an age-old Asian proverb says, the true measure of a mountain’s greatness is not its height, but whether it is sufficiently enchanting to attract dragons.
------------
A new year, a new beginning—and a time to recommit to our values. Vogue believes in joy and optimism. We strive to live sustainably and advocate for independence, individuality, and creativity. We honor meaning and craft in fashion. We insist on inclusivity and respect—and will hold ourselves accountable to those ideals. We will endeavor every day to discover and support new talent. We believe in the power of communities and families of all kinds. Our work matters.
All the Editors-in-Chief, Vogue