Byrdie / Hallie Gould
The Holiday Issue is my favorite every year; it feels like a soft sparkle that settles over everything. Usually, we turn the volume all the way up—with big bows or icy makeup—but this year, we wanted our shoot to capture a different feeling: the afterglow. When the night is winding down, your heels are off, and the candles are burnt to the wick. Most of your guests have left, so you pour a nightcap and laugh with the few who remain. Everything feels warm, soft, and effervescent.
Our cover star, Dakota Fanning, is the perfect muse for this moment. She’s familiar, as we’ve all watched her grow up on-screen, and she’s a star with a capital S. She’s thrilling to watch, infusing magic into every scene with the same shimmer the holidays bring to the season. You won’t want to miss her latest series, All Her Fault, where she stars opposite Sarah Snook—and you can read all about it in her thoughtful cover interview.
The rest of the issue gives joy too, focusing on trends like “mistletoe makeup” and underrated style icons like Martha May Whovier (IYKYK). So together with Ulta Beauty, we’re bringing you all the beauty, fashion, and feels you need to feel looked after this holiday season. Enjoy!
— Hallie Gould, editor in chief
