V is taking a bold approach with its November issue, honoring pioneers in pop culture who are challenging traditions in the worlds of fashion, music, art, film, and TV. Enter Alicia Keys, whose forthcoming album “HERE” puts the spotlight on social injustice. In anticipation of the album, Keys opened up in Lenny Letter in May about her decision not to wear makeup. Fittingly, on the cover she goes barefaced and beautiful in a shot by Inez and Vinoodh and styled by Jay Massacret.
“I think that it’s definitely tricky being a woman,” Keys told V. “You go to work, and it’s like, if you don’t put on makeup that day people say, ‘Oh, you look so tired!’ It’s not only the entertainment industry, it’s not only the film industry, it’s not only the fashion industry, it’s not only every job that anyone works at or every magazine that everyone has read, it’s a collective consciousness.”
