This spread is interesting for a few reasons. First, Princess Stephanie of Monaco is not a model; she’s a kind of celebrity because of her title, but famewhore she is not.  If her name weren’t on the cover, I would have no idea who it was.  The angle is so different from what we’re used to seeing.  Also, the close-up shots of her face make the story more about her than the clothing. And lastly, Stephanie is no famewhore, that I know of.

These aren’t terribly revolutionary ideas at the core, but they’re so out of the realm of the American women’s magazine publishing industry. In two months, the same four mainstream actresses and singers rotate around the covers, with the same poses, the same hair, and do interviews that are obsolete once the issues hit the stands.

I’m a sucker for certain celebs, no doubt. But I’d like to be surprised by a U.S. cover every now and then.

Scans from Style Frizz.