How’s this for recognizability: Elle India was so confident in Oprah’s famous image that acclaimed photographer Mark Seliger shot one of their two 22nd anniversary covers with the “queen of all media” facing away from camera, showing off a heavily embellished jacket by Anamika Khanna.
On an alternate cover and inside the issue, we see O in all her joyous glory—and why not? Hers is one of another healthy crop of magazine covers featuring black excellence in December and January, which we’re delighted to bring to you in our bimonthly roundup!
Oprah might’ve been the most famous face featured this round, but our vote for favorite actually went to model Shanelle Nyasiase, who covers the December issue of Vogue’s Brazilian outlet. Aside from the absolutely gorgeous composition and contrast of Nyasiase’s flawless dark skin against a brilliant blue sky, the covers serve as a powerful statement in the face of Brazil’s newly-elected, highly racist president.
Who else was cover-worthy this month? Aside from those we’ve covered in separate articles (including Cardi B, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, the women of Black Panther, and the women of Red Table Talk), Zoe Kravitz, Taraji P. Henson, Black Panther costume designer Ruth Carter, and more got their year-end shine ... just check out our slideshow below.