New York’s latest issue features a flip cover: Erykah Badu graces the cover of the Cut’s annual “Fall Fashion” issue with a profile by Casey Gerald, and for the cover of New York, features writer Allison P. Davis unpacks how children can become a wedge between their parents and their child-free friends.
“Friendships that change because everyone starts having kids is certainly not news, but I think it feels different right now. We’re still in a post-COVID social reengagement, and there are a lot of new questions about what community means,” said Davis. “I want my friendships to feel as familial as they did when we were in our 20s and early 30s, when there was no real barrier to being so close. The question I found myself asking while I was writing was, What if we let ourselves work at close friendships the way we do familial and romantic relationships?”
Elsewhere in the issue for New York, features writer Shawn McCreesh profiles journalist Walter Isaacson, joining him in his hometown of New Orleans to explore how he navigated the chaotic world of Elon Musk for a soon-to-be-released biography. The issue includes a feature by Bianca Fortis and Laura Beil, published in collaboration with ProPublica, on how Columbia University ignored women, stonewalled prosecutors, and allowed one of its OB/GYNs to abuse hundreds of patients.
In addition to a profile of Badu, the “Fall Fashion” issue features a profile of TikTok influencer Dylan Mulvaney by features writer Brock Colyar, critic Cathy Horn writes on fashion’s talent problem, features writer Matthew Schneier writes on Jenna Lyon’s reinvention, and more.
“This year’s “Fall Fashion” issue is rooted in having fun with the tensions between style and culture, observing trends in the wild as well as the trickle-down effect from runway to real life, and exploring a love of fashion while also embracing approachability and accessibility,” said the Cut’s Editor-in-Chief Lindsay Peoples. “In many ways, Erykah Badu, an iconic queen of neo-soul and Fashion Week regular was the perfect person for this season’s cover. There is something otherworldly and captivating about a woman who is not afraid to keep redefining herself and who refuses to let others define her purpose. I’m excited to tell her story at this current moment as she embarks on her biggest tour to date.”
The cover of New York was photographed by Bobby Doherty. The cover and photo portfolio of Erykah Badu was photographed by Zhong Lin for the Cut. Badu was styled by Jessica Willis. Makeup: Pat McGrath Labs. Set Design: Jay Evers. Manicure: Taliysha Lenoir. Tailoring: Andrew Bayer. Production: Kindly Productions.