2020 — the dawn of a new decade — has left many of us feeling powerless in the face of great adversity. From the Covid-19 global pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 680,000 people worldwide and put tens of millions of jobs at risk, to the fight against police brutality and systemic racism, together with the climate emergency and its ever-growing impact on our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems and communities. In these difficult times, we must take strength from one another; joining forces in our commitment to create a world that is fairer, more inclusive and sustainable for all.
“We all need hope in our lives, now more than ever,” says Anna Wintour, Vogue editor-in-chief and Condé Nast’s artistic director and global content advisor, “so at this tumultuous time, Vogue decided to bring all the global editions together around this optimistic, humane, forward-looking theme. Hope may be hard to find at a moment of crisis, but it also feels more essential than ever. It’s part of our shared humanity, a source of delight and inspiration, and keeps us focused on a brighter future.”
Published in 19 languages and available throughout August and September, Vogue’s 26 global Hope Issues aim to unite Vogue’s millions of readers worldwide with a positive vision of the future. Featuring letters of hope from celebrities, designers, models and activists, thought-provoking fashion, and insightful essays on diversity and inclusion, the climate crisis, LGBTQ+ rights and more — each Vogue has shined its unique lens on the biggest issues facing us today, in a testament to the power of photography, artistry and reportage.
Within each edition, you will find a global Hope portfolio of imagery, handpicked by each Vogue editor-in-chief. From Captain Tom, the centenarian who raised £32m for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden in British Vogue, to a portrait of professor and doctor Marylyn Addo, one of the worldwide-leading scientists in infectiology and virology for Vogue Germany. From a photograph of a ray of light shattering the darkness by Massimo Vitali for Vogue Italia, to the artwork of Wang Yong, who paid homage to ancient Chinese history with a work entitled Circle for Vogue China; the submissions are diverse, poignant and powerful, and capture just some of the inspiring individuals pushing for real, lasting change around the world today.
If there is one thing that the past few months have shown us, it is that hope is all around us. From the doctors, nurses, carers and key workers who have worked tirelessly to protect us against Covid-19, the activists who have mobilized millions in the fight against systemic racism and police brutality, the charities aiding the 80 million refugees who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution and natural disaster, to the scientists and activists raising awareness around climate change — our world is made up of many inspiring individuals working tirelessly to build a brighter, better future for us all.
2020 has already connected the world in ways previously unimaginable. It is by joining forces and working together that true change is possible, and in that, Vogue stands united.
#VogueHope
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