The Vogue Archive - Google Arts & Culture (2024)

Vogue has been a trailblazer since it was founded in 1892. Known for its trendsetting content and stunning visuals, the magazine has not only influenced global fashion, but has evolved with our changing society over the past 132 years.

1. New York, New York

NYC has been Vogue's home for over 130 years. It was launched by Arthur Turnure in 1892, before being acquired by Condé Nast in 1909. New York'sstreets and iconic skyline have been essential characters in many of the magazine’s stories ever since.

2. Life, drawn

Did you know Vogue'sfirst photographic cover was the July 1, 1932 issue, photographed by Edward Steichen? In its earlier life, the magazine's pages were instead filled with drawings by some of the great illustrators of the day, such as this iconic Carl Erickson watercolor.

3. A world of color

Cecil Beaton was one of Condé Nast's longest standing contributors, working with Vogue for six decades. Beaton began his career working in black and white, but, with the arrival of color film in the 1940s, he filled his frames with every shade of the rainbow.

4. One of Vogue’s first female photographers

Frances McLaughlin-Gill signed a contract with Vogue in 1942 when she was just 24 years old. She was mentored by Toni Frissell, another early female photographer for the magazine, andwould go on to be one of its most prolific contributors.

5. The 'Twelve Beauties'

In 1947, the iconic photographer, Irving Penn, captured12 of the era's most-photographed models for Vogue. During this shoot, Penn first fell in love with his wife-to-be, model Lisa Fonssagrives.

6. Gordon Parks in Vogue

As one of the most prolific and influential photographers of the twentieth century, Parks maintained a close relationship with Condé Nast’s Editorial Director, Alexander Liberman. The two worked closely together on numerous stories for Vogue during the 1960s.

7. Empowering women in the workplace

Empowered by the second-wave feminism of the 60s and 70s, Vogue rolled up their sleeves and shifted tone towards the working woman. The story of Vogue is the story of talented women, behind the scenes and in front of the lens.

8. Beverly Johnson makes history

Beverly Johnson became the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in the August 1974 issue. Talking about the impact of the cover, Johnson said: “I see the inspiration of Black women being lifted up all over when they look at me and that’s a super feeling.”

9. Dance and fashion

Ballet, swing, or tango; dance and fashion have always had an innate connection. Designers like Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret drew inspiration from the ballet world, its silhouettes and color palette.

10. Through the wardrobe...

Vogue was the first publication in the Condé Nast portfolio, and fashion remains an important component. But literature, current events, arts, sport, food, and design are also important subject areas featured across the magazine's archive.

Continue your journey through the Condé Nast Archive and explore the rich history and iconic imagery that continues to shape the world.