Cheri was a French magazine for women that debuted in 1962 and ran until its final issue in 1986. It quickly became popular due to its unique approach to fashion photography and design, including the creation of eye-catching cover art that was both tasteful and memorable. Throughout its history, the magazine's covers were carefully crafted to capture the attention of readers without being too explicit, making them easily identifiable among others on the market shelves.
The magazine often featured close-ups or tasteful poses of models, combining bold typography with vibrant colors to create a striking first impression. This subtle yet enticing cover design helped Cheri stand out on crowded newsstands while maintaining an air of class and allure. The cover typically included bright text set against a contrasting background, such as white letters on black paper or red lettering against a blue sky. In addition, Cheri's covers frequently used high-quality photographs taken by renowned photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Helmut Newton. These images captured moments from everyday life, capturing the beauty and diversity of people around the world.
The magazine also employed clever techniques to draw attention to specific elements within each cover photo, using spot color or selective focus to highlight key details. For example, one famous cover from 1973 features model Nastassja Kinski wearing a yellow dress against a backdrop of dark brown leather boots, emphasizing her legs and feet through creative lighting and composition. Another iconic cover from 1974 depicts model Veruschka in a stunning shot featuring only her face surrounded by an explosion of pink roses.
Overall, Cheri's cover art style was a testament to the power of great design and careful planning. By creating eye-catching visuals that were both stylish and tasteful, they were able to establish themselves as a leading publication for women's fashion and culture during their time. Today, many designers still look to Cheri's covers for inspiration, recognizing their enduring appeal and influence on the industry.