Kamala Harris’ second Vogue cover marks a significant transformation in her style and message, coinciding with the upcoming US presidential election, where she’s currently polling against Donald Trump.

Dressed in a sharp mocha-coloured suit by Gabriela Hearst, paired with a plum satin blouse, Harris strikes a relaxed yet commanding pose. Sitting cross-legged in a chair upholstered in a soft blue shade, she gazes directly into the camera with a subtle, knowing smile. The image, captured by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, represents a stark contrast to Harris’ first Vogue cover in November 2021.

At the time, Harris had just been elected Vice President and was photographed standing in a more casual outfit—black skinny jeans, a Donald Deal jacket, and low-rise Converse sneakers. Caught mid-laughter, the image was criticised for its informality.

The New York Times described it as “decidedly unfancy,” while The Hollywood Reporter claimed Harris’ team had expected a different photo, one where she was dressed in a light blue suit against a gold backdrop, which was later featured inside the magazine, as reported by CNN.

The casual portrait stirred controversy on social media. “She deserves a cover, but a much better cover than this,” one user commented, while another added, “Can we redo this?” In response, Vogue explained that the informal image was chosen to highlight Harris’ “authentic, approachable nature,” a key feature of the Biden-Harris administration.

However, some critics were not satisfied. Nigerian-British photographer Misan Harriman commented on Instagram, “I do wish you would give these opportunities to the many amazing Black women photographers out there.”

Leibovitz has faced criticism in the past for her portrayal of Black and Brown subjects, with some arguing that her lighting choices, such as in her shoot with Zendaya in April, washed out the subjects’ skin tones.

For many of Harris’ supporters, this latest cover feels like a redemption from the criticism of her first. She is now portrayed with the seriousness and gravitas that her role demands, “suited, booted, and without a Chuck Taylor in sight.”