Vanity Fair U.S.

May 2026

Vanity Fair U.S. delivers a masterclass in modern sports portraiture with The Global Sports Issue featuring Kylian Mbappe. By bridging the gap between high-fashion sensibility and the kinetic reality of elite athletics, the project redefines the magazine cover genre. Through the lens of legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz, the editorial campaign oscillates between the stillness of a studio strobe environment and the intimate, grounded energy of natural light settings. The visual narrative leans into a sophisticated aesthetic, blending sharp tailored charcoal wool suiting with the grit of unbuttoned denim to capture a multifaceted profile of the athlete. Law Roach brings a distinct sartorial edge to the styling, while movement director Jorge Dorsinville ensures that even the most static shots retain an underlying sense of athleticism. The composition is further elevated by the deliberate set design of Mary Howard, which maintains a clean, minimalist backdrop that allows Mbappe to command the frame. Whether capturing a high-speed freeze moment mid-air or a quiet lifestyle portrait, the work eschews cliché sports imagery in favor of a curated, cinematic perspective. Grooming by Melissa DeZarate provides the final polish, resulting in a cohesive series that cements the brand's place at the intersection of media and entertainment while providing a definitive, stylish record of a global sports icon at the height of his influence.

Editorial, Lifestyle, Vertical, Vertical, Vertical

Natural light, Natural light, Natural light

Magazines, Magazines, Media & Entertainment, Media & Entertainment, Magazines, Media & Entertainment