Dua Lipa has secured a cover spot in another of the world’s leading fashion magazines, marking her first appearance in Vogue Italia with the September 2026 edition.
The picture was taken by Carlijn Jacobs in New York and the styling was done by Imruh Asha; the singer is featured in a dramatic cover photograph which adopts a more dark and refined interpretation of glamour. Bulgari jewellery is of major importance in the shoot, diamonds and rubies providing a rich contrast to the styling.
The cover represents a significant fashion milestone for Lipa, since she has always built up a reputation for taking risks with her red-carpet and editorial appearances rather than adhering to a single distinctive style.
For the September issue Jacobs takes a close-up picture of Lipa with her eyes shut, producing a striking black-and-white portrait; a statement necklace is visible around her neck and a thin dark fabric forms a frame for her face.
The outcome is quite unlike the bright, high-energy images which have frequently been associated with Lipa’s fashion appearances; instead, the photograph achieves its effect through the use of texture, jewellery and expression.
The editorial features a more experimental style, with Lipa wearing a dramatic black suit having textured trimming, sheer gloves and a graphic checkered pattern, thus giving the shoot a clearly editorial appearance.
One of the most prominent features of the outfit is the jewellery, since Bulgari’s use of colourful gemstones, especially rubies, provides the generally dark design with a bold splash of colour.
Lipa’s relationship with the Italian jewellery house has already produced several memorable fashion moments. Earlier this year, she wore Bulgari creations during her wedding celebrations in Italy, including high-jewellery pieces from the Serpenti family.
A association of hers with Bulgari seems especially appropriate for a Vogue Italia cover, since it pairs an Italian luxury brand with one of pop music’s most well-known fashion figures.
The timing of the Vogue Italia cover is also significant in relation to Lipa’s personal and professional life; in the interview that goes with the cover, the singer talks about her recent marriage to actor Callum Turner and describes how her method of songwriting has changed.
Lipa said she is now more interested in exploring the quieter, more complex sides of love rather than focusing mainly on heartbreak and longing. She also spoke about wanting a life that feels “full but not busy.”
The shift in perspective does provide the editorial with a bit more context since, instead of viewing Lipa merely as a pop star or a fashion celebrity, the September issue focuses more on her personal situation at this stage in her life.
The September issue of Vogue Italia usually has special importance since it presents readers with the fashion for the autumn/winter season; Lipa’s cover, though, does not make use of a typical fashion-oriented pose or an obviously commercial picture.
Rather, Carlijn Jacobs achieves a more restrained effect by using close-up photography in monochrome together with jewellery. The broader editorial section then incorporates bolder textures and patterns, giving the shoot the impression of two contrasting aspects of one story.
There is also a good link between Lipa’s recent appearances in Italian fashion and this cover; from the Bulgari jewellery that she wore during her wedding festivities in Sicily right through to her first Vogue Italia cover, Italy has become an increasingly noticeable element in her latest style narrative. Vogue Italia has itself pointed out this connection by stating that Lipa feels especially at home in Italy.
