1883 Magazine 1883 ICONS #1 Covers 2026

About

The ICONS series from 1883 Magazine marks a definitive statement in contemporary editorial photography, positioning singer Melanie Martinez at the center of a surreal, high-fashion narrative. Photographed by Gustavo Chams, these covers transcend the traditional portrait, leaning instead into a macabre opulence that feels both theatrical and deeply considered. Across the series, Chams experiments with varying visual languages, oscillating between the grainy, nostalgic texture of analogue film and the sharp, controlled precision of studio strobe lighting. The project benefits from a meticulous attention to detail, with set designer Miles Bettinelli constructing dense, evocative environments—from banquet tables laden with raw fish and pomegranates to vintage puppet stages that frame Martinez as a suspended marionette. These compositions are anchored by the work of hair stylist William Scott Blair and makeup artist Laurel Charleston, whose contributions emphasize a visceral, transformative aesthetic that complements the subject's somber, contemplative performance. By utilizing live-action technique and layering disparate elements like skeletal headpieces and organic decay, the team crafts a cohesive cinematic experience. This collection succeeds by treating the magazine cover as a canvas for high-concept art, successfully merging the worlds of music, fashion, and fine art into a singular, haunting visual identity that resonates within the broader landscape of media and entertainment.