Vogue China is no longer what it used to be. The publication has struggled to regain its former glory since the departure of Margaret Zhang and the appointment of Rocco Liu as the head of editorial content. The last time theFashionSpot truly took notice was in February when Sarah Snook appeared as a cover girl. Rocco Liu, who has been at the helm of Chinese Vogue since 2024, has secured none other than Nicole Kidman for the cover of Vogue China, gracing the May 2026 edition. Captured by photographer Sean Thomas and styled by fashion icon Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, the Australian-American actress poses in a two-piece look from Matthieu Blazy’s Pre-Fall 2026 Chanel collection, after returning as a Chanel brand ambassador earlier this year.
Nicole Kidman for Vogue China May 2026
Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:
“NO!” immediately exclaimed BalkaniStaCouture upon seeing the cover.
“It’s not that bad, but it all feels so middle of the road. What a waste of Carlyne and Nicole,” commented forum member mikel.
“This should’ve been much better,” critiqued a less-than-impressed WAVES.
“Temu Peter Lindbergh,” remarked a disapproving fashionsavvvvvy, clearly underwhelmed by Sean Thomas’s photography.
Balmain1914 noted: “The close-up face shot could have served better. Again, Vogue China always picks the less ideal ones for the cover!”
Not everyone was quick to criticize. “Finally, something buzz-worthy coming from Vogue China! About time too because it has felt like the magazine has been dormant for the past several months. Massively here for Nicole Kidman being on the cover and Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele styling. The cover shot might not have been the correct one but it’s working and I like the art direction,” shared vogue28.
See more of Nicole Kidman from the Vogue China May 2026 cover shoot and click here to join the conversation.
