Apr 28 2024
Whats the story behind TIME ‘Person Of The Year’ cover featuring Taylor Swift’s cat?
Fri 15 Dec 2023
Taylor Swift was chosen as the TIME ‘Person of the Year’ for 2023. A prestigious opportunity for Taylor Swift and for the photographer-duo, Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, who captured her multi-faceted personality for the cover.
Her selection is a historic milestone, as she is the inaugural individual to receive this recognition exclusively for her achievements as an entertainer, which highlights the significant influence she has had on global culture. But what they were not expecting was to photograph Swift’s cat, Benjamin Button, posing along with her. The pop icon proudly posted the TIME 2023 cover image on her insta and a wave of adorable and funny comments washed flooded her comment section.
Van Lamsweerde, in an interview with the magazine, praised Swift’s openness, respectfulness, and collaborative spirit, noting that her fame hadn’t seemed to affect these qualities. The photographers immersed themselves in Swift’s The Eras Tour movie and explored her evolving personas over her career, aiming to capture her empathy, glamor, defiance, and strength, showcasing her growth since their last collaboration.
The interview goes on to explain the inspiration behind the shot of Swift with Benjamin Button on her shoulder. Van Lamsweerde reveals that the perfect image draws inspiration from old Hollywood, specifically referencing Bill Hayward’s 1970s book Cat People.
Taylor Swift, TIME 2023
— francisco (@FranciscoLicari) December 6, 2023
Cat people, Bill Hayward 1978 pic.twitter.com/SrJtY9MRPP
Speaking to the magazine, Van Lamsweerde says she obtained a vintage copy of the book and gifted it to Swift as she was such a cat lover. “And I said, ‘You know, I’ve always wanted to do a picture like the one that’s on the cover of that book where the cat’s on the shoulder of the girl.’ It speaks to a sense of carrying everything on your shoulders but being defiant while doing so. And she agreed, and that’s how that picture happened.”
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Her TIME cover captures not just a star, but a multi-dimensional icon whose footprints extend across various realms of culture and society. This year, Swift’s influence extends beyond her musical achievements, as she continues to advocate for causes beyond her industry, from encouraging young people to vote to voicing her support on various social issues.
As per the photographer, the resulting picture, which symbolizes the weight of the world carried with a blend of defiance that encapsulates the cultural power Swift had in 2023.
Also read: Mark Zuckerberg attends Taylor Swift’s concert: ‘Life of a girl dad’
