Contributors

Kevin KWAN

"SEX AND VANITY" P. 42

In Kwan's Sex and Vanity, his first novel since his best-selling Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, he hopes to offer a respite from the chaos of current reality. "I feel like this book touches on issues of racism, prejudice, and privilege," Kwan says, "but much like my other books, it tries to illuminate through humor and character while telling a funny and romantic story."

Safy-Hallan FARAH

"THERE WENT THE NEIGHBORHOOD" P. 40

Since the killing of George Floyd in May just a few blocks from her house, the Minneapolis-based writer has experienced waves of heartbreak, grief, and anguish. "Every time I've seen a white person recently, they've found a way to tell or show me that they're very sorry, usually by way of guilty anecdotes."

Yashua SIMMONS

"NOT SO BORED IN THE HOUSE" P. 64

As a stylist, Simmons wanted to capture the TikTok stars by leaning into their individuality. The result is an elevated take on the big top, which, much like the booming platform itself, is full of surprises. "TikTok is about emoting and being expressive," Simmons says. "Because of the circus theme, a lot of hidden talents were revealed."

Tierney GEARON

"NOT SO BORED IN THE HOUSE" P. 64

Although relatively unfamiliar with TikTok prior to this assignment, Gearon noticed a common thread between the platform's stars. "it was almost like they were all living in their own little bubble world," Gearon says. The TikTok stars weren't your typical "celebrity": "Everyone we shot was so open and friendly."

Jeff SHARLET

"THE SECOND COMING" P. 82

Sharlet knew Trump supporters hated the media but only grasped the magnitude of their ire after years of rally attendance. "That which was disdain in 2016 has been stoked by years of Trumpism into an almost hallucinatory rage," says Sharlet, reporting on how "viciously joyous" MAGA world is—and how deep its fetish for revenge runs.

Sonia SARAIYA

"VIOLA'S VOICE"; "TRAITORS AMONG US" P. 46; P. 38

In reporting her cover story on Viola Davis, Vanity Fair TV critic Sonia Saraiya found an artist whose work and politics are completely intertwined. "They come from the same source of speaking truth to power and accessing the humanity within all of us," says Saraiya, who spoke with Davis via video chat. "There was never a moment she stumbled for words."

Peter LANCE

"HOMICIDE AT ROUGH POINT" P. 90

The true nature of Eduardo Tirella's 1966 death has remained a mystery for more than half a century. Lance hopes his investigation into billionaire tobacco heiress Doris Duke's real role in Tirella's killing may bring some belated justice to the case. "I'm underscoring a point about class privilege that resonates today more than ever."

Mark SEAL

"IN PLAIN SIGHT" P. 54

In the wake of Jeffrey Epstein's death, his alleged accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell seemed to vanish without a trace. "For a year, the world was obsessed with finding Maxwell," says Seal, who reports on her life in hiding. "On July 2, the world, and the victims, finally got their answer."

Carina CHOCANO

"NOT SO BORED IN THE HOUSE" P. 64

Chocano s daughter was her first introduction to the world of TikTok: "She made me learn the Renegade when it was first popular." After speaking to the platform's top stars, Chocano felt she had found the next wave of household names. "Some of these kids seem like they came out of the womb 100 percent media ready."

Yohana DESTA

"LIP SERVICE" P. 80

Comedian Sarah Cooper achieved breakout stardom thanks to her Trump impressions on social media, but it was her psychological analysis of Trump that most impressed the staff writer. "She's spent more time than just about anyone parsing every single last detail of some of his public remarks," Desta says. "She's come away with some keen observations."