We thought it very appropriate that the new year kicked off with the #10yearchallenge on social media. Because 2019 is Stylist’s tenth year of existence. Our actual birthday is in October, but, as it’s a major anniversary, we’ve started the celebrations early.

Throughout the year, we’ll be handing over 10 issues of the magazine to 10 guest editors. And first up is actor Brie Larson, who is setting aside her superhero costume before the release of Captain Marvel on 8 March to show that her superpowers also extend to creating a brilliant magazine.

The issue of Stylist edited by Brie will hit the streets and appear online on 26 February. “Hollywood actor, activist, star of the upcoming Captain Marvel and all-round strong woman, Brie Larson was the perfect fit for our first takeover, and she could not have done more,” says Stylist’s editor-in-chief Lisa Smosarski.

“She has written, commissioned, edited or approved every single page, and the result is remarkable.”

Brie is, in many ways, the ultimate Stylist woman: she has called for more diversity in film criticism (reflecting the ethos of our Under Her Eye initiative), taken a stand against sexism in the fashion and film industries, and introduced inclusion riders on the sets of her films – meaning that the projects she works on must have diverse casts and crews.

She also pushed for people from a wide variety of backgrounds to be represented on the Captain Marvel press tour, from the journalists who interviewed her to the designers of the clothes she wore to photo calls.

“Guest editing this issue was my opportunity to reflect on the spaces that can exist when folk with power (in this case, me) use their platform to grab the hands of others and pull them up,” Brie says. 

“Feminism and visibility will undergo expansions for as long as we grow and stay curious. This opportunity allowed me the chance to share the voices of many, and learn along the way.”

Highlights from Brie’s issue include a column from Reni Eddo-Lodge on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the politics of beauty, a feature by journalist and performer Rhyannon Styles on what it means to be a trans woman in 2019, and a fashion shoot shining a spotlight on the world’s most stylish and size-inclusive sportswear brands. 

The issue also features insights into Brie’s own life and career, from her all-time favourite recipe (courtesy of chef Courtney McBroom) to her 10 ultimate book recommendations and superhero strength tips from the personal trainer who prepped her for Captain Marvel. 

The Stylist team travelled to LA to meet Brie for the guest edit, and entertainment director Helen Bownass says the actor could not have been more enthusiastic about creating a magazine that reflects her worldview.

“Brie has been incredibly hands-on throughout this process,” she says. “From the start she had so many ideas about what she wanted to read in the issue, how to style shoots and who she wanted to include. 

“She’s been poring over the pages and it’s been a really exciting experience for us all to see her vision made into reality.”

Our other guest editors will be revealed throughout the year, so we have nine more surprises for you – with our next very special guest editor taking the reins in early April. We’re sure you’re going to enjoy celebrating our birthday too.

Read all of the articles from Brie Larson’s special guest edit of Stylist here.

Main image: Carly Palmour. Other images: Getty Images