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• 1916-1934.
For eighteen years, illustrations were used on the covers of the magazine and although they were all different, they were of a very similar nature, colour palette and style. The covers were beautifully illustrated, showing the style and grace that filled the glossy pages of this magazine.
The June 1934 issue was different from all the others before, this was the first issue that used a cover girl. This issue indicated that summer had officially arrived, promoting the then current fashion of shorts and a two piece beach suit.
This issue caused a stir within the world of fashion, and as a result the cigarette was airbrushed out on official release. I personally love this cover as I think the colour palette is gorgeous, oozing classic style and glamour.
March's issue talked about romantic and luxurious fabrics, and the current trend of big hats, Vogue's motto was "it's a matter of extremes – either huge and Garboesque or tiny and tilted forward."
May's issue was all about Paris fashion. Prints and chic-beach ensembles were prominent throughout the magazine. April's cover was all about bold and bright prints, contrasting colours and 'print mania.'
This special Diamond Jubilee edition discussed the six decades of fashion, from when the magazine was established. From, the 'emancipation of fashion' after World War I to during the 1970s where 'neither length of skirt nor degree off it is crucial and rules have been abolished, freedom of choice is absolute.'
This was Lady Diana's debut on the cover of Vogue magazine. The issue was then released on the day of Prince Charles and Lady Diana's royal wedding, and was considered the wedding of the year, if not the century. Diana was seen as an icon, everyone loved her and wanted to be like her.
However was not the only issue she graced the cover of. She then went on to be on the cover of three more issues, in 1991, 1994, and 1997.
Princess Diana was on the cover in December 1991 as she was donned "The Princess of Wales, Patron of Arts 2000 Year of Dance, and of the English National Ballet, the London City Ballet, and The Benesh Institute."
July 1994 was an issue celebrating her birthday and her image was featured in black and white, really showing off her elegance and grace.
This October 1997 issue was of a more solemn and mournful nature. This was an image taken in 1994 and was a tribute issue due to her tragic death. "Millions rarely heard her speak. Clothes were her vocabulary, a huge factor in her tremendous allure – and from faltering pidgin, she gradually became one of the most fluent fashion speakers of our time."
This edition featured Bono and Christy Turlington on the front cover. Over the years, more and more celebrities were being featured on the covers of the magazine, and the fashions were more and more expensive! Years ago dresses would cost at most, around £100, whereas Christy's outfit here totals £1,884.
In 1996 Naomi Campbell made her debut on the front of Vogue magazine. She was the first black supermodel to receive this prestigious title of cover girl, and in my opinion she looks amazing! This however, was not her only cover, she then went on to grace the pages of the magazine again twice in 1998 and 2001.
Actresses, models and singers started to grace the cover of the magazine, such as Claudia Shiffer, Nicole Kidman, Helena Bonham-Carter and Robbie Williams and Gisele Bundchen. The October 2000 issue really 'sexed up' the magazines image. Before this the issue covers were more conservative, very different to this issue where Robbie Williams, the sex symbol of the time even got his bottom out for the cover! (and Gisele Bundchen posed just as seductively!)
With celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Cheryl Cole, Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Gwyneth Paltrow, competition for the cover was fierce. Celebrities were fighting to be on the cover, and when you'd finally gained this prestigious place, you were seen to have made it in both the fashion and entertainment industry. My favourite cover is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's cover. She oozes sex appeal, and pairing it off with sexy red lipstick.. she looks amazing!
This October edition of Vogue was British singer songwriter Adele, debut on the cover of the magazine. Adele is so incredibly popular at the moment, it was only a matter of time before she was to grace the cover of this prestigious magazine, and she looks fabulous.
Rihanna also made her debut this year and she looks incredible. She looks completely different to her usual raunchy look but still looks just as gorgeous.
The undoubted Queen of Vogue magazine, is Kate Moss.
From 1993, Kate Moss has been on the cover of the magazine thirty times! She is often considered and recognised as the face of British Vogue. No one has been on the cover as much, and arguably never will be! She is a fashion icon in both the UK and worldwide. She was discovered in 1988, and within five years she had her first Vogue cover shoot. Regardless of her personal life, what she has achieved is phenomenal and is an ambassador for British models and fashion. She has become a designer for Topshop, the face of Rimmel makeup and has been seen in many music videos.
Well done Kate Moss, proving that the British can still be considered at the forefront of fashion and modelling today, despite the hard competition from around the world.
My favourite is the August 1957 cover.
I think it is classy, sophisticated and its vintage style is timeless.
Which one is your favourite and why?
Vogue editor, Alexandra Shulman has also chosen her top 20 covers from the last 20 years.. take a look!
