Variety Magazine

Aug 2026

Variety Magazine captures the electric energy of the entertainment industry in its latest Power of Young Hollywood cover feature, centering on the multifaceted musician and performer Tate McRae. This project serves as a masterclass in editorial portraiture, deftly balancing high-fashion sensibility with a grounded, approachable aesthetic. Photographed by David Roemer, the imagery leans into a clean, studio-based composition that elevates the subject against a stark, minimalist backdrop. The visual narrative relies on the interplay of light, utilizing studio strobe combined with directional illumination from a vintage-style lamp to craft soft, intentional shadows that define the frame. Fashion editor and stylist Lucy Gaston rounds out the sophisticated look with a deliberate selection of textures, while set designer Jacob Burstein ensures the environment remains focused and uncluttered, allowing McRae's presence to anchor the commercial appeal of the piece. With hair styling by Evanie Frausto and makeup by Kennedy, the aesthetic execution highlights the nuanced intersection of lifestyle branding and celebrity portraiture. By successfully blending these professional disciplines, the magazine delivers a polished visual statement that resonates with a younger demographic while maintaining the publication’s established authority in the media and entertainment landscape. This project exemplifies how intentional art direction transforms a standard studio shoot into a compelling, market-defining editorial spread.

Editorial, Lifestyle, Commercial

Natural light

Magazines, Media & Entertainment