A photo shoot with one of the world’s biggest magazines pretty much sums up a celebrity’s year. But while the photos might be what you’re most interested in, it’s the accompanying interview that will keep you glued to your screen.
The Most Influential Magazine
You might not have heard of Vanity Fair, but you’ll certainly know the stories that they’ve broken. The iconic American magazine boasts a history of influential interviews and tasteful covers. It’s been referenced by the likes of David Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Benedict Cumberbatch. With its Hollywood studio, it’s the perfect place for a romantic comedy shoot.
The Best-Looking Magazine
While Vanity Fair isn’t the best-looking magazine in the world, it certainly doesn’t have to be. The publication is known for its distinctive golden cover design, which has been used for the past 160 years. The cover art is striking, and often times, it’s the little details like the fonts that are used that give the magazine its unique look. In fact, author Jane Smiley notes that Vanity Fair is the magazine that she “would have turned to” when designing her own publication.
The Most Famous Hollywood Studio
You might think that the offices of Vanity Fair would feel a little bit like the set of a Hollywood blockbuster. After all, the magazine is essentially housed in an old Hollywood studio. The building itself was originally built in the early 20th century and was the headquarters for famous production company Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Since then, it’s been used as a film and TV studio, a publicity office and now, as a magazine. As you might imagine, with such a storied history, the place is decked out in gorgeous period detail, with chandeliers, ceiling medallions and even vintage wallpaper.
The Most Luxurious Restaurant
If you think that a glamorous restaurant for a fancy magazine would be the standard fare for most firms, think again. Vanity Fair’s restaurant is, in fact, more luxurious than you’d expect for an office. The magazine’s culinary director, Michael Lamberger, calls it a ‘celebratory food court’ and notes that it features “high-end restaurants and food trucks…all vying for attention on swanky Patio 14.’” In other words, it’s the sort of place that food critics might drop by before a show at the Alhambra.
The Most Influential Designer
If you’re a fashion lover, you might be interested to learn that Vanity Fair’s cover star is none other than British designer and style iconrobetpattinson. He graces the cover of the magazine’s March 2017 issue and wears a classic white dress shirt, black trousers and a tie with an emblematic red rose. His look is quintessential to the style and elegance associated with the magazine.
The Most Famous Florist
What sort of flower would represent luxury? If your answer is something other than a red rose, you might want to reevaluate your life. Vanity Fair’s floral emblem is, in fact, the red rose and the magazine is known for its discretion when it comes to the sort of flowers that it uses. The florist that the magazine turns to is a family-run company called Rosalind Russell Florists and was founded in 1901. The business is now based in London, England, and continues to supply the magazine with its signature flower, as well as other high-profile publications, like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
The Most Famous Makeup Artist
Not one, but two of Vanity Fair’s most renowned makeup artists work on the February cover. On the left is Kevyn Aucoin and on the right is Anna Wintour. Both ladies are famous for their expertise in bridal makeup and are known to JFK Jr., among others. Wintour is the founder of Vogue magazine and Aucoin is its former chief makeup artist. On the subject of weddings, Aucoin recommends, “Keep the makeup light and simple. I usually use a few tricks: a soft, creamy blush; a pop of blush on the apples of the cheeks; and an illuminating powder to perk up the faces of those being photographed for the wedding party or family members.”
The Most Famous Hair Stylist
Hair becomes a celebrity when it’s used on the red carpet. Since there are so many different styles to choose from, it might be easier to have someone else do your hair for you. This is where stylists come in. The February Vanity Fair cover star’s hair is styled by Karim Rashid, the fashion and lifestyle ambassador of Spain and the Middle East. If you’ve ever seen his work, you’ll know that it’s always luxurious and vibrant. He has styled the likes of Kate Middleton, Lupita Nyong’o, Gwyneth Paltrow and more recently, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
A Traditional Magazine
Nowadays, magazines come in all shapes and sizes. However, if you want to put a trendy spin on an old-fashioned magazine, you might want to give Vanity Fair a go. The magazine’s editorial director, Katie Roslau, notes, “We are very much a traditional magazine. We do cover stories on a daily basis, but we also do a lot of investigative journalism. We have a lot of in-depth features.” She adds, “We don’t do celebrity news. We don’t do gossip. There are certain elements of those magazines that we do, but not in the way that you might think.”
A One-of-a-Kind Golden Opus
As you’d imagine from reading the above, Vanity Fair is a magazine that’s worth looking out for. The publication is credited with launching the American fashion industry and continues to influence style and elegance to this day. While its covers might not always be of historical significance, what they lack in vintage wallpaper, they more than make up for in contemporary art and lavish photography. In other words, it’s a one-of-a-kind golden opus.