Archie Hayes 
Key Takeaways
- “W” Magazine, founded in 1972, has evolved from a biweekly newspaper into a major fashion magazine.
- Acquired by Condé Nast in 1999, W has been known for its provocative and controversial content.
- Financial challenges led to a decrease in print editions and eventual acquisition by Future Media in 2019.
- In 2020, a consortium including Karlie Kloss bought W, continuing its legacy with Sara Moonves as editor-in-chief.
- W has expanded globally, with editions in South Korea and China, showcasing its international influence in the fashion world.
Let me tell you a bit about “W” Magazine, a name that’s become synonymous with the dazzling world of fashion and celebrity culture. Picture this: it’s 1972, the air is filled with the scent of rebellion and change, and along comes this publication, starting as a mere offshoot of Women’s Wear Daily. Its journey, oh, it’s like a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the high stakes world of fashion publishing.
I remember the first time I held a copy of W. It was oversized, audacious, and screamed luxury. Each page was a window into a realm where fashion, art, and celebrity converged. The magazine wasn’t just about clothes; it was a narrative of style through the lens of culture, art, and film.
The turn of the millennium was a pivotal chapter in W’s saga. When Condé Nast waved its magic wand in 1999, W transformed, adopting a bolder approach. The magazine’s covers, often swathed in controversy, became the talk of the town. One that sticks in my mind is the “Domestic Bliss” portfolio of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, a striking portrayal of the perfect American family with a twist.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The late 2000s brought a storm of financial woes, with luxury advertising dwindling. I could feel the tension in the air, the uncertainty. It was during this time that W had to rethink its strategy, reducing its print frequency.
The drama peaked in 2019 when Future Media took the reins, only for a new dawn to break in 2020. Imagine the excitement when a group led by none other than Karlie Kloss stepped in! It was a fresh start, a new chapter for W, with Sara Moonves at the helm, steering the magazine into the future.
Now, let’s jet-set to the global stage. W didn’t just stay put in the U.S.; it spread its wings to South Korea and China, capturing the hearts of fashion enthusiasts across continents.
Through its ups and downs, W has been more than a magazine; it’s been a cultural icon, a mirror reflecting the evolving landscapes of fashion, celebrity, and art. It’s like holding a piece of history in your hands, each page a story, each photograph a frozen moment in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was “W” Magazine founded?
“W” Magazine was founded in 1972 as a biweekly newspaper spin-off from Women’s Wear Daily.
2. Who acquired “W” Magazine in 1999?
Condé Nast acquired “W” Magazine in 1999 from the Walt Disney Company.
3. What are some of the controversial covers “W” Magazine is known for?
“W” Magazine is known for several controversial covers, including the “Domestic Bliss” portfolio of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and the “Asexual Revolution” shoot by Steven Meisel.
4. When did “W” Magazine transition to digital and reduce its print editions?
“W” Magazine transitioned to digital and reduced its print editions in the late 2000s and early 2010s, facing financial challenges and a drop in luxury advertising.
5. Who are the current owners of “W” Magazine?
As of 2020, “W” Magazine is owned by a consortium led by Karlie Kloss, including W Media, under the editorship of Sara Moonves.
