Sabrina Carpenter graces the October 2025 cover of Vogue Italia in a breathtaking photoshoot that showcases her evolution as a pop icon. The 26-year-old singer opened up about her complicated views on men, the power of humor, and staying authentic in an industry where it’s easy to lose yourself.
A Retro Glamour Moment with Steven Meisel
The Vogue Italia cover shoot was lensed by legendary fashion photographer Steven Meisel and styled by Karl Templer, featuring Carpenter in a sophisticated retro aesthetic inspired by 1960s German glamour and Brigitte Bardot. The singer sports a dramatic flipped-out bob, smoky eyes, and voluminous hair that channels vintage pin-up energy with a contemporary edge.
Carpenter wore a cropped burgundy Prada sweater with metallic detailing on the cover, while the editorial spread featured pieces from Dolce & Gabbana and other luxury brands. The black-and-white photoshoot captures the star at a pivotal moment in her career, fresh off the success of her new album and a recently announced headlining slot at Coachella.
Reflecting on the shoot, Carpenter shared that the team initially told her they wanted a very natural look, but when she arrived on set, she had smoky eyes and big hair, saying it was exactly the person she wanted to be at this moment in her life. The photographic story embraces black-and-white glamour that feels both elegant and melancholic, perfectly capturing Carpenter’s duality as an artist.
Men Are an Entertaining Species, Says Carpenter
In her candid interview with Vogue Italia, Carpenter didn’t hold back on her views about men, stating that they have been “a super entertaining species to watch” in both positive and negative ways. The pop star, who is currently single, elaborated on the complexity of her experiences.
She explained feeling “really adored and inspired and loved by some of them, and really confused and attacked and ridiculed by others”. These mixed feelings reflect not only her personal relationships but also her experiences navigating public scrutiny as a woman in the entertainment industry.
When discussing boys and men, Carpenter joked that when one of her female friends announces she’s having a son, she rejoices for that young boy because she knows he’s going to be raised right. She added that women have always had to train men, calling it “a tale as old as time”.
Her new album, Man’s Best Friend, includes a song called “Manchild” that explores themes of emotional immaturity and relationships. The album title itself reflects her playful yet pointed commentary on dating and modern romance.
The Power of Humor and Sarcasm as Protection
Carpenter credits humor and witty remarks as essential tools for navigating uncomfortable moments, both in her music and in life. She shared that her whole life, humor and wit have been there to protect her for the future, noting that sarcasm has been passed down through generations in her family.
The singer views humor as a way to make light of moments that make her uncomfortable, calling it a mechanism that has saved her throughout her career. This perspective explains the clever wordplay and sharp observations that define her songwriting style, from “Espresso” to her latest releases.
For Carpenter, being able to laugh at difficult situations isn’t just a coping strategy—it’s a form of self-preservation in an industry that constantly scrutinizes young women. Her ability to blend vulnerability with sass has become a signature element of her artistic identity.
Redefining Authenticity in the Spotlight
Carpenter explained that authenticity for her doesn’t mean pulling back the curtain on every detail of her life, but knowing when to do so. She draws a clear distinction between her performance persona and her genuine self when connecting with audiences.
During performances, she can feel like she’s playing a character, but the moment she speaks to the audience, she’s speaking as herself, sharing what she did that day and how she genuinely feels in the moment. These are the experiences she saves for herself and her fans, creating intimate connections despite performing on massive stages.
The singer admitted she’s in a period of flux, constantly changing and evolving as a person, noting that something she feels today might be completely different in a month. This honest acknowledgment of growth and change resonates with fans who appreciate her willingness to be imperfect and uncertain.
She’s doing a lot of introspective thinking, wanting to do things intentionally that bring life to herself and those around her. Her friends, family, and team help manage her mind, allowing her to stay honest in a world where it’s easy not to be.
European Travel Shapes Her Perspective
Carpenter revealed that traveling in Europe has become her way of sharpening her perspective, particularly after devastating fires destroyed much of Topanga Canyon, a place very dear to her heart in Los Angeles. She noted that you learn more about life in a 20-minute conversation with someone from Italy than in 20 years in the United States.
These international experiences have enriched her worldview and influenced her creative process. The singer has found that stepping outside her comfort zone geographically helps her grow as both an artist and a person.
Fashion as an Extension of Identity
Carpenter sees fashion as her playground, viewing clothes as extensions of her identity whether she’s wearing dresses reminiscent of her childhood or the glittering corsets she sports on stage. She loves baby dolls and anything that makes her feel comfortable, with her choices reflecting her state of mind whether sequins or simplicity.
The Vogue Italia shoot represents another chapter in Carpenter’s fashion evolution. She’s proven herself capable of channeling different eras and aesthetics while maintaining her distinctive personality. From vintage glamour to contemporary pop star polish, she moves seamlessly between styles.
Career Momentum and Creative Output
At 26 years old with millions of fans and a career on the rise, Carpenter is experiencing one of her biggest years yet. Her album Man’s Best Friend is already one of 2025’s biggest pop events, and she’s delivered unforgettable live shows including a headlining performance at Lollapalooza.
Despite releasing two albums in two years, Carpenter revealed she’s doing a lot of writing, suggesting more music may be on the horizon. Her creative drive shows no signs of slowing down, even as she takes time for introspection and personal growth.
The singer’s ability to balance commercial success with artistic integrity has made her one of the most compelling voices in contemporary pop music. Her willingness to be vulnerable, funny, and occasionally provocative keeps audiences engaged and invested in her journey.
Handling Criticism and Public Scrutiny
Carpenter has learned to take moments that make her uncomfortable lightly, developing coping mechanisms for dealing with life’s more difficult aspects, especially under the public eye. The spotlight has forced her to find humor in challenging situations and develop resilience against criticism.
Her approach to handling negativity reflects maturity beyond her years. Rather than becoming bitter or defensive, she channels difficult experiences into her art while maintaining her sense of humor and perspective.
The Vogue Italia Moment
Carpenter shared her excitement about the shoot on Instagram, calling it her first Vogue Italia cover shot by Steven Meisel and one of her favorite photoshoots. The collaboration represents a significant milestone in her career, working with one of fashion’s most iconic photographers.
Celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath, who worked on the shoot, praised Carpenter’s beauty and spirit, calling the collaboration a joy. The Recording Academy and numerous industry figures celebrated the achievement, recognizing Carpenter’s growing influence in both music and fashion.
The October issue of Vogue Italia captures Carpenter at a defining moment—confident in her artistry, unafraid of contradictions, and ready to show her vulnerable side beyond the many masks of femininity. It’s a portrait of a young woman who has learned to navigate fame on her own terms, using humor as armor and authenticity as her north star.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sabrina Carpenter say about men in Vogue Italia?
Sabrina Carpenter told Vogue Italia that men have been “a super entertaining species to watch” in both positive and negative ways, explaining that she feels adored and inspired by some while confused and attacked by others. She also joked that women have always had to train men, calling it a tale as old as time.
Who photographed Sabrina Carpenter for Vogue Italia?
The Vogue Italia October 2025 cover featuring Sabrina Carpenter was photographed by legendary fashion photographer Steven Meisel. The shoot was styled by Karl Templer with hair by Guido Palau and makeup by Pat McGrath.
What was the inspiration for Sabrina Carpenter’s Vogue Italia photoshoot?
The photographic story was inspired by German girls of the 1960s, with nostalgic and vintage elements reminiscent of Brigitte Bardot and Berlin nightclub glamour. The shoot featured black-and-white photography with an elegant and melancholic aesthetic.
What album was Sabrina Carpenter promoting during the Vogue Italia interview?
Sabrina Carpenter was promoting her new album Man’s Best Friend, which has been described as one of 2025’s biggest pop events. The album includes songs exploring themes of relationships, emotional maturity, and modern dating.
What does Sabrina Carpenter say about authenticity?
Carpenter explained that authenticity for her doesn’t mean revealing every detail of her life, but knowing when to do so. She distinguishes between performing as a character on stage and speaking to audiences as herself, sharing genuine moments about her day and feelings.
How does Sabrina Carpenter use humor in her life and career?
Carpenter uses humor and wit as tools to navigate uncomfortable moments, noting that sarcasm has been passed down through generations in her family. She views humor as protection that has saved her throughout her life and career.