Editor’s letter

Rita Ora and Taika Waititi were always part of the plan. They are just so good together. Both fiercely talented, they make the perfect couple to feature on this June cover, which comes ahead of Rita’s first album release in five years, You & I, and Taika’s latest film Next Goal Wins.

I have huge respect for Taika as a filmmaker – prolific, daring in his decision-making, he also expresses his particular sense of humour in his work, managing to say things that are silly yet still have room for pathos. A writer, director, producer and actor, he is always willing to take risks and somehow manages to pull them off. He also takes the business of representing indigenous people seriously, shoots worldwide, and wherever he can, makes a difference to those who are often sidelined. Taika can talk big ideas and execute them, but at the forefront of everything he does is his support for other people. He is more than your average filmmaker.

Rita takes her work just as seriously, works incredibly hard and is also someone I have so much respect for. She is focused and dedicated to what she does. Recording an album, she is razor-sharp and committed to nurturing her voice: resting, drinking tea, practising breathing exercises, the humidifier turned up. But beyond her process, Rita has the very real ability to energise everyone around her. It’s great to be in her company.

Rita and Taika are singularly dynamic, together they are explosive. When I met them both at Chateau Marmont to discuss what we might do for this June issue, I noticed Taika taking pictures with his Leica, and it was the first time I picked up on his love of photography. In devising our cover shoot, I knew it would need to have a certain languid looseness; it wouldn’t be all about big fashion moments. Yet I still wanted to do a fashion story with Rita, so asked Taika to shoot it. I think he assumed he was just taking behind-the-scenes photographs, but when he turned up to set and realised otherwise, he said “cool”, and took it all in his Taika stride.

The hardworking and brilliant Kaila Matthews co-styled Rita’s fashion feature and the cover story with me and just back from maternity leave brought her great energy and skill to set.

This issue celebrates many love stories, incorporating our annual Vogue Weddings Special, filled with fascinating people, beautiful places and meaningful stories. Thank you to everyone who shared their most intimate and joyous day – we are proud to include your celebration. Four letters, big love.