[imagesource: Tyler Mitchell/Vogue]

In 2018, Vogue revealed that its September issue would feature Beyoncé, which wasn’t novel.

She’s graced the cover three times.

What set this particular cover apart is that it was shot by Tyler Mitchell, the first African American photographer to shoot a Vogue cover in the magazine’s 125-year history.

Mitchell is back to mark another historic event, this time turning his lens on Harry Styles, who will adorn the cover of the December issue.

Styles will be the first man to feature, solo, on said cover.

Per CNN, in the accompanying article, Styles talks about his sartorial clothing choices.

Image: Tyler Mitchell/Vogue

He is known for pushing the boundaries when it comes to gendered fashion, having previously appeared in Beauty Papers in fishnets and lipstick.

For Vogue, he appears in a full-length gown, designed by Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, paired with a tailored tuxedo jacket. He also poses topless in a Chopova Lowena kilt-inspired skirt.

“As a kid I definitely liked fancy dress,” Styles told Vogue. “I was really young, and I wore tights for [a school play].

Image: Tyler Mitchell/Vogue

I remember it was crazy to me that I was wearing a pair of tights. And that was maybe where it all kicked off!”

Image: Tyler Mitchell/Vogue

While he is by no means the first man to challenge the stereotypes associated with gendered clothing – Billy Porter always hits it out of the park – he has become one of the first mainstream artists to take the plunge.

“What women wear. What men wear. For me it’s not a question of that,” Styles told The Guardian last year.

Image: Tyler Mitchell/Vogue

“If I see a nice shirt and get told, ‘But it’s for ladies.’ I think: ‘Okaaaay?’ Doesn’t make me want to wear it less though… I think the moment you feel more comfortable with yourself, it all becomes a lot easier.”

Harry Styles during the shoot, complete with singing:

Another phenomenal cover by Tyler Mitchell.

Whatever ‘it’ is – he has it in spades.

[source:cnn]