Oooh Vogue

First of all, it's Madonna. And not just any ol' Madonna, it's Madonna with her legs spread on the cover of Vogue. Need I really say too much more?

I think this is a brilliant shot. The sharp differentiation of Madonna's name in red on top of the black and white background really makes it pop. It adds more excitement and flare to the photo and I believe that if her name had been printed in a more subtle color, like some shade of grey for example. The mood of the photo would be much heavier especially since the expression on Madonna's face, as fierce as it is, is also somewhat ambiguous and could be perceived as too stern and serious.

The black vertical line running the length of the page on the left side draws the reader all the way up and down so that they get a good look at the gorgeous lady on the front cover.

Madonna's left leg was brilliantly positioned in order to lead the reader across the page; and running parallel above her leg is the name of the magazine, Vogue. This is a great example of using Gestalt principles in graphics and design to help brand the magazine. Because now that the reader is lead to the name of the magazine by this visual gestalt (which is Madonna's sexy outstretched leg) they will remember that they saw Madonna on the cover of Vogue and not just some random magazine they can't remember the name of.