X JAPAN Leader YOSHIKI Featured On Cover Of Vogue Japan
August 21, 2017, 7 years ago
Yoshiki, leader of X Japan is set to grace the October 2017 cover of Vogue Japan, on sale worldwide starting August 28th. Yoshiki is the first Japanese male ever selected for the cover in the distinguished magazine's 18-year history.
The world's most influential female fashion magazine, Vogue is published in 22 countries and regions around the world. Yoshiki was chosen for the cover of Vogue Japan's Rock Star-themed October 2017 issue. The photo session, held in New York City in early June, was the world-famous pianist, drummer and composer's first appearance after his emergency surgery on May 16th to replace a cervical vertebral disc. Yoshiki described the photo session as "very stimulating" and was able to attend only after getting permission from his doctor to fly cross-country just three weeks post-surgery.
Yoshiki’s cover shoot was directed by fashion photography duo Luigi & Iango. Made up of Italian Luigi Murenu and Swiss Iango Henzi, the pair are now among the world's top creators, having produced numerous magazine covers for Vanity Fair and i-D, as well as famous campaign visuals for the likes of Dior, Tom Ford Beauty, Versace Jeans and Cartier. Joining Yoshiki on the cover is Argentine super model Mica Arganaraz, who got her big break when she was nominated as the solo model for the Prada campaign in 2014. Mica has walked the runway for high-fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu and Stella McCartney.
Yoshiki is in the worldwide spotlight now, following successful live shows this year at New York's Carnegie Hall (classical piano solo concert) and London's Wembley SSE Arena (X Japan). Even while battling post-op rehabilitation, Yoshiki has achieved the distinction of becoming the first Japanese male to be the "face" of Vogue Japan. In the October issue, Yoshiki reveals the spirit of rock, and the story will have everyone waiting to see what challenge is next for the music icon.
The award-winning X Japan music documentary film We Are X is gathering acclaim from fans and critics alike in the US, Europe and Asia with even more international theatrical premieres to be announced various countries around the world throughout the fall. Yoshiki is currently in the studio completing X Japan's first album in over 21 years, now set for release in 2018.
Check out the Vogue Japan cover story here.
(Magazine cover - Luigi & Iango © 2017 Condé Nast Japan)
