Harry Styles just made history on Vogue magazine’s newest December issue of 2020, being Vogue’s first ever solo male cover star.  

On the cover Styles is seen wearing a full-length gown, designed by longtime fashion partner, Gucci’s Alessando Michele, and another honorable mention on the set of the shoot is Tyler Mitchell, who has previously made history on Vogue as well; being the first ever Black photographer to shoot for Vogue. The issue includes an interview with Styles’ takes on fashion, his music, and future plans for his career. 

Styles has been the cover star of several other magazines, including Rolling Stone, Beauty Papers, Vanity Fair and GQ. However, within the last 128 years that Vogue has been around, there has never been an issue where a man graces the cover–especially while challenging gender stereotypes of clothing at the same time. Styles takes inspiration from showmen like Prince, David Bowie, Elvis, Freddie Mercury along with Elton John, who were a few of the first people to experiment with clothing and flamboyant outfits, and now Styles joins them in being one of few mainstream artists who have done so.

“There’s so much joy to be had in playing with clothes. I’ve never thought too much about what it means—it just becomes this extended part of creating something,” Styles said.

Upon the shoot receiving some unexpected backlash from celebrities, politicians, and others that claim that Styles displays the need to bring back “manly men,” others have come to Styles’ defense, pointing out that masculinity alone does not make a “real man,” it’s the ability to feel comfortable in your own skin that really shows how “manly” someone is. Director of Styles’ next upcoming movie appearance, Olivia Wilde states, “It’s pretty powerful and kind of extraordinary to see someone in his position redefining what it can mean to be a man with confidence.”

“I think the moment you feel more comfortable with yourself, it all becomes a lot easier,” Styles said.