The Exhibition Where You Can See 100 Years Of Vogue In One Day
If you’re wondering what to do on a rainy day in London (which believe me there are plenty), then check out the Vogue 100: A Century of Style exhibition while you still can. Showcased at the National Portrait Gallery until 22 May 2016, spectators get the chance to witness British Vogue’s evolution throughout the decades.
The layout of the exhibition is structured in reverse chronological order, starting with images from the years 2000-2010 and moving back to when the magazine was founded in 1916. Upon entering the room, visitors are greeted with columns of stacked magazine covers aligned in front of a giant video montage.
As you proceed to the magazine’s modern era, you will notice a giant portrait of Alexander McQueen shot by Tim Walker in 2009. McQueen is pictured with a skull placed in front of him. Following the designer’s death, one can’t help but interpret the dark irony the image conveys. Undoubtedly, McQueen was still a pioneer in redefining twenty-first century fashion.
Alexander McQueen by Tim Walker, 2009 [Photo: Courtesy of Conde Nast UK/ Tim Walker]
Another icon who is widely celebrated throughout the exhibition is Kate Moss. The 1990-2010 era could be dubbed as “The Kate Show”, as it showcases many of the model’s top editorial moments. From her October 2008 editorial shot by Mario Testino to her humble beginnings captured by Corinne Day in 1993, Moss is quintessentially British fashion royalty.
Kate Moss by Mario Testino
Rewinding slightly further back in time, Limelight Nights by Helmut Newton features then fashion editor Grace Coddington glamorously floating in a pool embodying sultry 1970s style. In a room next to the 1970s, the editorial house’s Planning Room was recreated.
This is essentially where the magic happens. It’s where art director and editor decided on what images would make it to print.
Limelight Nights by Helmut Newton 1973 [Photo: Courtesy of Conde Nast UK/ Helmut Newton]
During the first half of the magazine’s existence, Britain went through a period that will forever be known as its darkest hour in history. Despite WW2 casting a dark cloud over the nation, the wartime years were the making of Vogue.
As a publication that stood out from the rest, it never missed an issue and was determined to deliver quality coverage of the war to its readers.
A powerful image that displays Vogue’s courageousness is Cecil Beaton’s 1941 Fashion is Indestructible.
Fashion is Indestructible by Cecil Beaton 1941 [Photo: Courtesy of Conde Nast UK/ Cecil Beaton]
Prior to the first photograph cover that made its debut in 1932, illustrations were the magazine’s main visual content. Early illustrations depict cubist idioms and would slowly later adapt to the art deco movement. The works of fashion illustrator Eduardo Benito graced over 200 Vogue covers.
May 1926 Cover of British Vogue by Eduardo Benito
Indeed, the term “Vogue” has evolved to mean much more than the French word “style”. Vogue magazine has morphed into one of the greatest cultural phenomena on the planet.
The exhibition not only paints a picture of a century of fashion, but also reflects 100 years of world history. Noteworthy is that the exhibit is much more than just displaying pretty images, especially depicting the significant cultural/social events that occurred throughout the decades.
Let’s raise a toast to an additional 100 years of the world’s most influential fashion publication. Cheers!
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