Wonder Women of the Week: Rihanna and Beyoncé’s historic Vogue covers

Both Rihanna and Beyoncé made Vogue history this month. We couldn’t choose between the two, so they are both our Wonder Woman of the Week.

This week’s Wonder Woman of the Week is actually Wonder Women of the Week because how can you choose between Beyoncé and Rihanna, or decide which of the two Vogue covers is superior?

While this week’s choice is more lighthearted, there is significance behind the two Vogue covers, and the internet can’t stop talking about these two icons and their artistry.

First off, Beyoncé graced the cover of Vogue for its September issue. This shoot and cover are significant as the photographer for the cover, Tyler Mitchell is the first African-American to photograph for the cover page. This is pretty impactful, but long overdue, as the magazine has been around for 125 years. Nevertheless, this should be celebrated for Tyler’s sake.

He told Vogue, “For so long, black people have been considered things. We’ve been dignified physically, sexually, emotionally. With my work, I’m looking to revitalize and elevate the black body.”

And, Beyoncé herself had this to say about working with Tyler and creating the cover:

"Until there is a mosaic of perspectives coming from different ethnicities behind the lens, we will continue to have a narrow approach and view of what the world actually looks like. That is why I wanted to work with this brilliant 23-year-old photographer Tyler Mitchell."

Secondly, Rihanna was featured on the cover of British Vogue for their September issue. Everyone is talking about the thin eyebrow look that she is sporting in the images as it is quite the fashion departure from today’s thicker eyebrow trend.

But, beyond the fashion-forward fun, this is another significant moment for the fashion and inclusivity. Rihanna is the first black woman to be on the September issue of British Vogue in its 102-year run. Rihanna had this to say about the cover, “I’m so honored to be on the cover of your first September issue with British Vogue.”

It’s great to see both Beyoncé and Rihanna looking great and smashing glass ceilings, but it’s really unfortunate that these firsts are still happening. The one thing we aren’t going to do is pit the two against each other as they both deserve the attention and respect.