Letters From Readers.(Letter to the editor)

SPANISH ROSE

Congratulations, VOGUE, for putting Penelope Cruz on the cover of your Christmas issue ["Made in Spain," by Gaby Wood, December]. What a great combination: Penelope Cruz, one of the world's most beautiful and glamorous women, photographed by Annie Leibovitz, one of the world's most talented photographers.

Gloria Boyd Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I hope this is not a new trend: "gladiator chic." Your cover image of Penelope Cruz posing with matadors was a disappointment. I've come to expect a level of social consciousness from VOGUE. The clothes may be beautiful, but these costumes represent the ugliness that is bullfighting. An enlightened society should shun such a thing, and I wish you would not promote tolerance of it in any way.

Nancy Dupuis Wells, ME

I have followed Penelope Cruz's career since the early Almodovar days, so I was thrilled to see her finally receive her due as one of the stars of international cinema--and for more than simply her looks. The Leibovitz/Galliano collaboration was superb, and when I turned the page and saw Cruz transformed into a Goya countess, I was struck speechless. Now perhaps a photo of her wearing Woody Allen's glasses. . . .

John Zavales Alexandria, VA