INTRODUCING 10 USA ISSUE 05: TRANSFORMATION, BIRTHDAY, EVOLVE – READ THE EDITOR’S LETTER

What a year 2025 has been. We thought things were spinning out of control in March, but—hello!—the past six months have been mayhem. Absorbing the news in real time is giving me whiplash. But the silver lining has been the anticipation of the new designers debuting at some of our favorite fashion houses this fall, plus the celebration of the 25th anniversary of 10 magazine. Where would we be without Sophia’s infectious laughter and boundless energy?!

For our Transformation issue, we sought out the talent, ideas, and visionary minds who are not just surviving this chaotic time, but creating entire universes from it. These selfless creatives are rewriting the codes of taste, style, and identity.

Our beauty coverage examines the art of reinvention through a holistic POV. Louis Vuitton’s highly anticipated beauty launch is a striking entry in a crowded field and was developed with craftsmanship and precision. Peter Philips continues to steer Dior Makeup with intelligence and a visual signature that’s both romantic and technical. The prolific hairstylist Eugene Souleiman spearheads an abstract shoot that was, in the words of the writer Edwina Ings-Chambers, a mix of “unhinged Marie Antoinette meets The Handmaid’s Tale meets Sally Bowles on acid.” And that, dear readers, is why he is the master of the avant-garde!

We also talk to two of fashion’s finest gentlemen. There’s Willy Chavarria’s shoot with some of his favorite ladies. We love that Willy continues to make space for underserved communities through his strong casting and unapologetically rebellious designs. And Isaac Mizrahi, always the raconteur, dishes about how life truly is a cabaret.

Also from the fashion front lines: Five former editors turned designers and brand founders give us insight into what it means to pivot creatively and how enlivened they feel as entrepreneurs. Elsewhere, our digital editor, Diana Tsui, does a phenomenal deep dive into 25 years of online fashion media, from early webzines to the TikTok-fueled present. It’s a necessary look at how the industry (and its people) have evolved along with the tech, timelines, and, yes, selfies.

Transformation is not just about aesthetics—it’s political. Brock Colyar’s profile of LGBTQIA+ creatives and activists working in New York City underscores this truth. As rights are rolled back across the U.S., these are the people doing the work within their communities to make its members feel loved and important. They don’t just talk about change, they live it.

The writer John Ortved curated a 10-person portfolio of talent that demonstrates how creativity is always in flux. Read about Ebecho Muslimova’s subversive art, Flynn McGarry’s cool cuisine, Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen’s historical approach to style, Celeste Yim’s dark comedic brilliance, and more. These are the people shaping culture.

Of course there’s also fashion! First up, the supermodel Erin O’Connor as our iconic boss, Sophia! Talk about two forces who have shaped fashion for the better. Nick Knight shoots Pieter Mulier’s Alaïa on the model Colin Jones. Maria Grazia Chiuri closes her Dior chapter with a collection that leans into subtle defiance. And rising star Nico Parker continues ascending while wearing Chanel. And so much more!

10 Men USA explores transformation through those who exist in ever-changing industries. The multilayered lifestyle of the chef and model Roze Traore is where food, fashion, and storytelling converge. We toast John Varvatos, whose 25-year fashion legacy is a rock’n’roll dream. Finally there’s the TikTok watch enthusiast Mike Nouveau, a man whose street cred has gained him entry into snooty horology society.

As 10 magazine turns 25, we’re more excited than ever for what’s ahead. Thank you to Sophia for the amazing world she has created and is always championing. Here’s to more creativity with purpose, stories that reflect the best of who we are, and for always making time for friends and family.

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Photographer STEFANO GALUZZI

Fashion Editor GARTH ALLDAY SPENCER

Model SOFIJA SOSKIC at Women Management

Hair SIMONE PRUSSO at WSM

Makeup GIULIA CIGARINI at Blend Management

Digital operator SHEHAN HEWA MALLIKAGE

Photographer’s assistant FEDERICO LINDNER

Fashion assistant ALICE BALDUCCI

Casting ARIANNA PRADARELLI

Executive producer ELEONORA DENEGRI

Production assistant SARA MURRU