Dakota Fanning on the Cover of Cosmopolitan

When I think of Cosmopolitan magazine, I think sex. And I am sure many people would agree with me on that. So I ask, is it surprising to see 17- year old Dakota Fanning on the front cover of Cosmopolitan‘s February issue? Nothing against her appearance, because she looks absolutely beautiful with a blunt haircut and pink-beaded J.Mendel dress. However, it’s the messages the magazine gives off, with cover lines like “His Best Sex Ever,” “Too Naughty to Say Here,” and “Um, Vagina, Are You Okay Down There?” that may have people star struck.

We’ve all watched Dakota Fanning grow up, and though she won’t be 18 until next month the folks at Cosmo simply couldn’t wait to put her on the cover. Jonah Weiner said, “Fanning has always seemed much older than she is.” And in addition to her sophisticated roles, he also cited evidence like her firm handshake and wearing five-inch wedge heels.

The feature included a timeline of Fanning’s yearly style highlights from 2001 to her recent appearance at the 2011 Met Ball in strapless Valentino. And to set her aside from those previous years, Cosmo styled the actress in a gray mesh zip-up bustier dress by Vera Wang, and in one shot, bunny ears. The photo was awkwardly captioned: “Two years ago this would have been cute. Now it’s hot.” The article inside, entitled “Welcome to Your Cosmo Years, Dakota,” listed ways to tell she’s quite the adult.

Ironically, you aren’t really a woman until editors decide it’s okay to portray you in a sexy manner. But please, let’s not pretend like this is the first time it has happened. Remember when Miley Cyrus was considered an appropriate choice to grace the cover of women’s magazines when she was just 16. So I must say that I am not surprised about the cover. Instead, I believe she looks appropriately beautiful, and we should see more of her on the covers of women’s magazines.