Vogue Paris 100 Years: Thames & Hudson: Book Review

Vogue Paris was first published in 1920 and this book, Vogue Paris 100 Years, edited by Sylvie Lécallier and published by Thames & Hudson, records some of the highlights of its 100 year history. 

Vogue Paris 100 Years published by Thames & Hudson

Ever at the cutting edge of women's luxury and fashion, it contains images by many of the great photographers of the last century: Cecil Beaton, Man Ray, Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, David Bailey, Mario Testino, Guy Bourdin and many more. The fashion illustrations, especially from the early days, are equally striking by such as Lepape, Gruau and Benito. As you'd expect, the photos in particular vary between the exotic and the erotic and all are designed to have maximum impact - after all, this is high fashion that's being sold.

Inevitably the emphasis is on youth and few older models appear. While this is just how it is in fashion (women's fashion in particular) this imbalance could perhaps have been rectified by the inclusion of the December 2010 photoshoot by Tom Ford, For Ever Love, in which a man and a woman, both well into old age, kiss and fondle with a passionate abandon that will shock those who think that such antics are just for the young.

Complementing the illustrations are comprehensive histories of the brands, designers, models and editors that have made the magazine so remarkable. Despite its international nature, Vogue Paris had retained its French character and chicness, and long may it continue.

A book for anyone interested in fashion, design and photography or in their undoubted social impact.

Vogue Paris 100 Years, edited by Sylvie Lécallier, pub. Thames & Hudson £45.

I was sent a review copy - all views are mine alone.