The Artistry Behind the Covers
Acclaimed Hungarian fashion photographer Szilveszter Makó, renowned for his work on various magazine covers, is at the center of a unique controversy after he shot the November covers for three major magazines: Vogue, Elle, and The Wall Street Journal Magazine. Each cover, released within days of each other, showcases Makó’s signature painterly style, drawing on his early ambition to become a painter.
Jenna Ortega Graces Vogue
Vogue featured actress Jenna Ortega in a striking pose, enveloped by a sculptural ensemble set against a trompe l’oeil backdrop. This approach highlights Makó’s expertise in crafting theatrical scenes that evoke fantasy without digital manipulation, a testament to his meticulous artistry.
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Gigi Hadid on WSJ Magazine
Just days before Vogue’s release, The Wall Street Journal Magazine presented supermodel Gigi Hadid surrounded by a similar art-inspired setup. The continuity in visual style across the different magazine shoots is noticeable, raising eyebrows in the fashion industry.
Hunter Schafer on Elle
Elle jumped into the mix by showcasing a theatrical portrait of Euphoria actress Hunter Schafer, echoing the same imaginative depth. The striking use of real-life elements over digital effects by Makó unifies the covers, even as each retains a unique subject.
Industry Criticism and Concerns
However, according to a report by Page Six, the near-identical covers have sparked debate. An anonymous fashion media source criticized Makó for not informing the magazines about the uniform concept, labeling it a lapse in responsibility. The controversy surrounding the photographic selections adds an intriguing layer to fashion photography discussions.
“This is a giant screw-up,” the source commented. “Vogue is the leader. It’s bad and unheard of. We don’t know the timing of the shoots, but it’s irresponsible from the photographer’s side not to let the magazines know they’re doing the same concept.”
Conversations on Exclusivity and Cover Styling
The situation raises discussions about the long-standing tradition of photographer exclusivity. Vogue has historically maintained close relationships with photographers via publisher Condé Nast, but recent budgetary constraints may have shifted these dynamics. The consistency found in similar cover styles often mirrors his unique style.
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A source close to the issue defended Makó, stating that similarities are simply a reflection of his distinctive aesthetic. Hadid’s cover, reportedly part of a digitally-focused couture feature from July, underscores this point, suggesting ongoing industry adaptations.
Sources & Links
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
Why is Szilveszter Makó in a controversy?
Szilveszter Makó is in a controversy because he shot similar covers for Vogue, Elle, and The Wall Street Journal Magazine without informing them about the unified concept. This has sparked debate and criticism, as industry norms suggest photographers should communicate such similarities.
What style does Makó use in his photographs?
Makó uses a painterly style in his photographs, which is based on his early ambition to become a painter. His expertise lies in crafting theatrical scenes that evoke fantasy without digital manipulation.
How are magazine cover exclusivities changing?
Photographer exclusivity is changing due to budgetary constraints, which may have shifted dynamics between magazines and photographers. This case of similar covers highlights potential changes in traditional relationships that magazines like Vogue have historically maintained.
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