It's not everyday your fashion bible turns 100 and to say it has been a monumental success would be a completely understated injustice. British Vogues centenary year has been one of its most glamorous ever, with the Duchess of Cambridge herself gracing the glossy cover marking the 100th year- photographed by long time Vogue associate, John Ollins.
As I admire the sophistication of this September 2016 edition, I can't help but wonder if this royal sense of exclusivity goes against all the times Vogue broke down those isolating barriers to help unite people of all backgrounds, through the wonderful world of fashion.
However, I can simultaneously acknowledge the strategic accessibility that Kate offers to Vogue readers, highlighted through the raw authenticity and non-dramatic quality of her shoot, that perhaps is more typically expected from Vogue.
One noticeable feature of this 280 photo exhibition was the layout of the decades. Chronologically you would expect the exhibition to flow, but we should know by now, Vogue is not one to do the expected. Starting from around the 90's, the exhibition carried us through an effortless journey going back through the decades, being sure to highlight key historical moments including Kate Moss's 1993 angelic cover, the separation from American vogue in 1940 and going all the way back to it's birth in 1916, where illustrations where used as cover art.
A couple of standout pieces also emphasised the ultimate vision of Vogue and it's dramatic 'put together' tone. One including 'The Private Dancer' by Javier Vallhonrat (shown right, below). Its artistic composition perfectly demonstrates the avant garde style that Vogue is so successfully iconic for. It's juxtaposition of a glamorous girl in an outdated, 70's bathroom setting is demonstrative of the vision that fashion can always empower the aspiration of glamour, even in times of less glamorous circumstances.
In this sense, it's easy to see how Vogue has become a household name leading up to it's 100th birthday. That promise of hope, glamour and style is not only uplifting but expressive for every individual identity who associates with Vogue in anyway.
Vogue, here's to another 100 years of style!
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