Beyoncé Makes History With New Vogue Cover

The issue itself marks the first time Anna Wintour has ever given an subject free reign to conduct both the shoot and the interview.

Anna’s unprecedented decision to give Beyoncé complete control comes amid rumors that this will be the editor-in-chief’s last September. Fans have long speculated that she will step down from her position at the end of this year.

The photo spread features the “Formation” singer clad in elegant haute-couture gowns and bright floral headpieces. The stunning photoshoot marked another important first for the magazine.

The photographer, hand-picked Queen Bey herself, is 23-year-old Tyler Mitchell. This is the very first time an African-American has ever shot the cover of Vogue. It’s an accomplishment that Beyoncé recognized and took pride in. She said, “Not only is an African American on the cover of the most important month for Vogue, this is the first ever Vogue cover shot by an African American photographer.”

The spread and the interview worked in tangent and served as a seamless representation of Beyoncé as an artist. When asked about “freedom”, she was quick to answer the question in terms of what it meant of her creativity and approach to work. She said, “I like to be free. I’m not alive unless I am creating something. I’m not happy if I’m not creating, if I’m not dreaming, if I’m not creating a dream and making it into something real. I’m not happy if I’m not improving, evolving, moving forward, inspiring, teaching, and learning.”

What do you think about Beyoncé’s Vogue cover? Let us know in the comments!