'Fifty Shades of Grey' Star Dakota Johnson Covers 'Vogue'

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Photo: Mario Testino/Vogue

Fifty Shades of Grey pandemonium is reaching a fever pitch as the movie hits theaters in a mere few weeks. Advance ticket sales have broken a record; Jamie Dornan’s celebrity status has reached Benedict Cumberbatch fandom levels; themed paraphernalia is selling out across the country; and housewives around the world are attending meditation classes en masse in anticipation for the Valentine’s Day release. Even Vogue has caught on to the excitement by featuring the film’s star, Dakota Johnson, on its February cover.

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Shot by Mario Testino, the 25-year-old up-and-comer appears in a navy blue Balenciaga dress with embellished halter from the collection’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Her brunette hair, which was dyed to a darker shade for her role as Anastasia Steele, rivals Kate Middleton’s always-glamorous loose waves. The daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith looks just like the “breakout star” that the cover lines imply. She has a sweet face that is reminiscent of other girl-next-door actresses such as the Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner. It’s a beautiful image, but let’s face it: It’s way more tame than it needs to be — especially for a young actress with an exciting and sexy role on her hands.

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Vogue can do pretty better than anyone else out there—the magazine managed to make sexpot Kim Kardashian look wholesome—and Johnson’s editorial certainly stuns. But with her upcoming role as a BDSM submissive, the mag had the opportunity to take a risk. Wouldn’t it be great to see Johnson in something a bit saucier? A cut-out Versace dress, a wacky Moschino separate, or some sheer Givenchy number? Le sigh. I guess we will have to wait for the film to see Johnson have fun with her wardrobe.