Cynthia Erivo is giving full icon status for PAPER Magazine. The spread is a masterclass in movement, color, and unapologetic power.
Shot by David LaChapelle and styled by Jason Bolden, these visuals show her evolution from Wicked’s Elphaba to an editorial queen. You see the flower-fro crown and the command she has in every frame. The deep berry hues and powerful poses are intentional. This is not just another photoshoot.
This work screams joy, sensuality, and Black excellence. The collaboration redefines what a magazine cover can be, placing a strong Black woman at the center of a high-fashion narrative. Seeing Cynthia Erivo in this light matters because it sets a new standard for grace and edge.
This is what happens when our power is seen, captured, and celebrated without apology.
