We love to admire the beautiful and creative covers that adorn the magazines piled in our rooms, but what’s really in a cover? Apparently, a lot! When it comes down to it, there’s tons of significance glowing from behind the gloss—and for good reason.
Magazines have been a prominent part of American culture for as long as we can remember. Their covers—which reach audiences that many generic and formal news sources fail to reach—have stirred a fair share of controversy, often presenting taboo topics, emotional news stories, and groundbreaking fashion. Fashion magazine covers hold particular interest in popular media, trendsetting infamous styles and showcasing world-famous celebrities, models, and designers, while often defining current culture in the process. From iconic to innovative and controversial to catalytic, we’ve chronologically compiled a list of some of the most talked about fashion magazine covers in history.
1. Vogue, September 1933
The emblem of all things fashion, Vogue has had its fair share of iconic covers. Of particular fame is Vogue‘s first ever cover girl, model Toto Koopman. This cover defined the future of fashion magazines, who all immediately took a liking to the notion of cover girls. Even more progressive, selecting Toto Koopman was a bold move. Identifying as both bisexual and biracial (not to mention also serving as a spy!), Koopman’s feature was likely to cause quite a stir.
2. Harper’s Bazaar, April 1965
This history-making cover features model Jean Shrimpton and serves as a frequently referenced representation of the sixties. Featuring white, bright pink, and green, the cover is a perfect example of the Mod fashion era, and Shrimpton’s Twiggy-esque lashes are right on trend!
3. Cosmopolitan, July 1965
This oldie takes a special place in the hearts of any women’s magazine lover, as it serves as the cover of the groundbreaking issue that redefined Cosmopolitan magazine as a progressive, female-centric publication. Thanks to this issue, Cosmopolitan became infamous as the country’s favorite women’s magazine. Even more important, this cover kick-started the women’s magazine industry, leading to previously taboo topics, such as women’s sexuality, becoming more accepted and discussed. Cheers to that!
4. Glamour, August 1968
This cover quickly made history as the first fashion magazine to feature an African American woman as a cover girl. Shining beautiful and bright, college student Katiti Kironde shows off her chic fashion sense, featured after winning the title of “Best Dressed College Girl”—way to go, Katiti!
5. Vanity Fair, August 1991
While glamorous pregnancy photos have become mainstream in pop culture as of late, they weren’t always so accepted! When Demi Moore bared it all on this cover, many Americans were displeased. There was serious controversy surrounding the photo, with some arguing that it was inappropriate and others stating it was objectifying. Now, we recognize that a women’s body—in all of its forms—is a truly amazing thing, and we greatly appreciate Demi’s risky choice!
6. Harper’s Bazaar, September 1992
This cover is an emblem of the rise in credibility and prestige that Harper’s Bazaar experienced when Editor-in-Chief Liz Tilberis took charge of the magazine. Model Linda Evangelista’s glamor is striking, and the teasing tagline “Enter the Era of Elegance” leaves any reader intrigued. The magazine world was sure to be buzzing as Tilberis successfully reinvented the publication, making it the fashion-forward and innovative magazine it is today.
7. W Magazine, November 2010
The first of many magazine cover scandals featuring the Kardashians, this cover faced an overhaul of criticism upon its release. Kim Kardashian has been extremely open to releasing nude photos for the public eye, and many praise her confidence and pride, but there will always be haters, and this cover had many. After all, even Kim was a little shocked at the final image, expressing displeasure on an episode of Kourtney and Kim Take Manhattan.
8. Vogue Italia, June 2011
We’re all for the recent push towards body positivity in current pop culture (it’s about time!), and we’ve got Vogue Italia to thank! This cover photo—featuring models Tara Lynn, Candice Huffine, and Robyn Lawley—became a hot topic almost immediately after its release, and understandably so. Vogue is often referred to as the ultimate name of the fashion industry, and with fashion’s historic focus on size zero models and extremely thin figures, many were stunned (and relieved) when this issue hit shelves. However, Vogue isn’t the only magazine known for breaking the size barrier in the industry. Elle, Cosmopolitan, and many others have featured plus-size models on their international covers. Of course, there was definitely some controversy surrounding the photo. Many point out that the photo set, featuring plates of food, reinforces the negative stereotype that weight is all about food intake, which we all know isn’t true!
9. Paper, Winter 2014
Who could forget this controversial classic? Kim took part in this scandalous photo shoot in an attempt to “break the Internet” and if that means stirring up buzz, she succeeded! Complaints were numerous, ranging from disappointment at the obvious Photoshopping to some pretty outdated and gender-biased statements that as a mother, Kim shouldn’t have exposed herself. The cover, featuring Kim’s bare bottom, has definitely made pop culture history.
10. Vogue, April 2014
Many fashion followers expressed displeasure when Vogue released this controversial cover. Questioning Kim and Kanye’s qualifications for being featured (Vogue is a prestigious platform for high fashion, after all, and not just anyone can make the cover), America quickly took to debate, and many mocked the image with spoofs. Talk about this hot topic peaked when Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour joined the conversation, defending her choice for the cover. Regardless of our opinion on the image, anything that leads to a public statement from magazine legend Anna Wintour is big news to us!
11. Vanity Fair, July 2015
Last but not least, we’re all obsessed with Caitlyn Jenner’s debut on the cover of Vanity Fair. The image has sparked an unbelievable amount of talk and support, and we’re all inspired by Caitlyn’s beauty and bravery. The release has most definitely been catalytic, but for the most part, in an overwhelmingly positive way. We couldn’t be happier for you, Caitlyn!