Vogue, the iconic fashion magazine, has always been at the forefront of showcasing the latest and most innovative styles. With each new issue, it sets the standard for what is in vogue and what is not. However, there was one particular cover that stood out and marked two significant firsts in Vogue’s history. The May 1988 issue featured a pair of jeans on the cover, a first for the magazine, and it was also the first cover produced by editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
This cover was a game-changer for Vogue, as it challenged the traditional notions of high fashion and introduced a more relatable and accessible style to its readers. It was a bold move that paid off, as the issue went on to become one of the best-selling issues of Vogue.
Anna Wintour, who is now synonymous with Vogue, took over as editor-in-chief in 1988. She brought with her a fresh perspective and a keen eye for fashion. Her first cover was a testament to her vision for the magazine, as she chose to feature a pair of jeans, a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, on the cover instead of the usual couture gowns and high-end designer pieces.
The cover featured Israeli model Michaela Bercu, who was photographed by Peter Lindbergh. Bercu was seen wearing a Christian Lacroix jacket, a beaded top, and a pair of stonewashed Guess jeans. It was an unexpected and refreshing choice, as models on fashion magazine covers were usually seen in glamorous and extravagant outfits.
This bold move by Wintour was met with mixed reactions from the fashion industry. Some praised her for showcasing a more attainable style, while others criticized her for not adhering to the traditional standards of high fashion. However, the response from the readers was overwhelmingly positive, as they could relate to the cover and the outfit worn by Bercu.
The cover also marked the first time a pair of jeans made an appearance on the cover of Vogue. Jeans, which were previously considered casual and not fashionable enough for a magazine cover, were now being embraced by the fashion world. This was a significant moment in the history of Vogue, as it showed that fashion is not just limited to couture and high-end designer pieces, but it can also be found in everyday items like jeans.
The success of this cover also paved the way for more diverse and unconventional covers in the future. It opened doors for models of different ethnicities, body types, and styles to be featured on the cover of Vogue. It challenged the industry’s narrow beauty standards and set a precedent for inclusivity in fashion.
In addition to breaking barriers, this cover also had a significant impact on the fashion industry. It gave rise to the concept of “high-low” dressing, where high-end designer pieces were paired with more affordable items. This style, which is now a staple in the fashion world, was first introduced to the mainstream by Vogue’s May 1988 cover.
Furthermore, the cover also had a lasting impact on the denim industry. After the cover’s release, the demand for stonewashed Guess jeans, which Bercu wore, skyrocketed. It became a fashion must-have, and other denim brands started incorporating this trend into their collections. This cover not only made a statement in the fashion world, but it also influenced the retail industry.
In conclusion, the May 1988 cover of Vogue, which featured a pair of jeans, marked two important firsts in the magazine’s history. It was the first cover produced by editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who brought a fresh perspective and a bold vision to the magazine. It was also the first time that jeans were featured on the cover, challenging traditional fashion norms and introducing a more accessible style to the readers. This cover’s impact was felt not only in the fashion industry but also in the retail industry, making it a groundbreaking moment in Vogue’s history.
