The Winners’ cover shoot brings the Woman of the Year Awards 2025 full circle.
Conceived as more than a cover, the shoot was designed as a shared moment. A space where women from different sectors and leadership paths could come together without performance or expectation. The focus was not on uniformity or spectacle, but on allowing each winner to be seen with clarity and intention.
The cover image places the winners at the centre of the frame. The direction is deliberate and restrained, allowing expression, posture and presence to carry the narrative. Each woman brings her own experience into the lens, yet the collective image speaks to a shared point in time. This is not about sameness, but about recognition earned through hard work and consistency.
Alongside the final portraits, this feature also opens up the moments that unfolded throughout the day. Candid images capture exchanges between takes, natural reactions and unscripted interactions.
These behind-the-scenes frames reveal a side of leadership that is often unseen. The pauses, the conversations and the quiet confidence that sits beneath public achievement. The BTS moments offer a more intimate view of the women featured and the environment in which the shoot took place.
Styling for the shoot was led by Hasham Baig, with an approach that prioritised individuality while maintaining visual balance across the group. Each look was considered in relation to the woman wearing it, allowing personal style to come through without distraction.
Toni & Guy’s team handled makeup and hair on set, shaping the final looks seen across the shoot. The behind-the-scenes moments offer a view of the process behind the finished images.
The result is a series of images that feel confident, current and true to the women featured.
The cover was photographed by Kiran Varghese of Studio 12, whose calm and considered approach allowed the shoot to move seamlessly. Portrait and camera assistance was provided by Chaithanya Vijayan, supporting the technical flow of the day and ensuring consistency across frames.
On the ground, the shoot was documented by our social media team, Shaymaa Elgayar and Natasha Ann Abraham, who captured the process as it unfolded. Their behind-the-scenes coverage offers readers a closer view of the atmosphere on set and the moments between the finished shots.
The cover concept and direction were led by Amna Syed, whose vision centred on the theme of presence and intention. The creative approach ensured that the imagery remained aligned with the spirit of the Winners’ Edition, keeping attention firmly on the women and their achievements.
Together, this feature stands as a visual record of recognition. Not just of success, but of the women behind it, captured in a moment that honours their journey and the work that brought them here.
Credits
Cover Concept and Direction: Amna Syed
Cover Photographer: Kiran Varghese, Studio 12
Portrait and Camera Assistant: Chaithanya Vijayan
Shoot Stylist: Hasham Baig
Makeup and Hair: Toni & Guy
On-Ground Social Media Team: Shaymaa Elgayar and Natasha Ann Abraham
Location Courtesy: Talking Pictures Studio
