For years, models like Emily Ratajkowki and the Hadids have landed the covers of Vogue Mexico and Latin America, establishing its brand while simultaneously making it essentially indistinguishable from its sister glossies. Similar to its parent iteration, the magazine was reflective of, and of interest to, a specific kind of woman.
Earlier today, the team rolled out six covers in celebration of its 20th anniversary. The covers highlight actress and feminist Irene Azuela, renowned ballerina Elisa Carrillo, architect Frida Escobedo, long-distance runner María Lorena Ramírez (who is Rarámuri) and Mexico’s gastronomy – plus a digital cover that features Zapotec chef Abigail Mendoza Ruiz and others who are part of the culinary scene.
“This is one of several covers that we will be posting in the next couple of days,” editor-in-chief Karla Martinez de Salas said on her personal account, highlighting Ramírez. “They are women who aren’t models or have millions of Instagram followers, but that in their own way are changing stereotypes in MEXICO and inspiring other women to pursue their dreams.”
In January, the magazine wisely featured lauded first-time actress Yalitza Aparicio on their cover. The decision, widely praised, was an obvious choice as Aparicio added to an impressive list of firsts. She was the first Indigenous actress nominated for an Oscar, and would then become the first Indigenous woman on Vogue MX & Latin America. Now, the six and a half (peep the adorable little one), pictured above, and María, picture below, follow suit.
How a country with a significant Indigenous population waited so long to do so is fascinating, but many hoped it would only be the first of many. The recognition and praise it received surely captivated the attention of the team at the helm of the publication and a shift in gears has been evident.
Just last month, four Afro-Dominican models covered the magazine’s most important fashion issue. One way to continue pushing the limits, I reckon, would be to read and re-read their extended name, and acknowledge that the “and Latin America” isn’t just an add-on in the moniker – it represents a key, vast part of their audience, often largely underrepresented both in this rollout and the rest of glossy “Latin” media.
“Let’s keep making history,” Salas’ caption read. Yes, let’s.