If you’re into fashion as a passion, chances are you’re constantly on the lookout for the latest in top fashion magazines. Besides attending brunches and parties, curling up on the couch with a good fashion magazine is a beloved pastime for many. There’s something special about the tactile experience of flipping through the glossy pages that no digital app can replicate. Before Instagram and YouTube took over, classics like Vogue and Cosmopolitan were our main sources for outfit inspiration. They’re still unbeatable for celebrity gossip and lifestyle trends. So, why not dive into our curated list of must-read fashion magazines?
Top Fashion Magazines In The World
1. Vogue
You could say that Vogue is like the rockstar of fashion magazines – it’s practically legendary and tops all the charts. Back in 1892, it started as a humble weekly newspaper, but over time, it morphed into the fashion powerhouse we know today. When Conde Nast Publishers took the reins in 1909, they aimed straight for the women’s fashion scene, and boy, did they hit the mark. With Anna Wintour steering the ship in 1988, Vogue’s fortunes soared. Now, boasting 11 million subscribers spread across 23 countries, it’s not just a magazine; it’s a fashion oracle, setting the trends that everyone follows. And it’s not just about the clothes – Vogue dives deep into the fashion world, covering everything from runway shows to designer spotlights, giving readers an exclusive peek behind the scenes. That’s why, year after year, Vogue remains at the forefront of the fashion universe.
2. Elle
Elle, a French magazine born in 1945, originally dedicated itself entirely to the world of women’s fashion. Its very name, “Elle,” meaning “she” or “her” in French, reflects its dedication to celebrating the feminine. As the years passed, it launched a campaign with the slogan “If she reads, she reads Elle,” a phrase that quickly caught on and contributed to its remarkable growth. From its beginnings in the United States, Elle has expanded its reach to 44 countries, captivating women with its focus on fashion and everything else that excites them. For aspiring fashion models, gracing the pages of this esteemed publication is a dream come true, offering a surefire path to fame and recognition.
3. Harper’s Bazaar
Harper’s Bazaar, kicking off back in 1862, holds the honor of being America’s original fashion magazine, tailored specifically for the fancy folks in the middle-upper class. Its pages have always been filled with sleek, savvy, and stimulating content. Whether it’s hot-off-the-runway trends or updates on both everyday wear and high-end fashion, this mag’s got it covered. Over the years, it’s evolved from a weekly read to a monthly must-have, and now it’s making waves in the digital world with blogs and other online platforms. With its headquarters in the bustling hub of New York City, Harper’s Bazaar’s influence stretches across 32 countries, keeping style enthusiasts everywhere in the loop.
4. Cosmopolitan
Cosmopolitan, affectionately known as ‘Cosmo’, lives up to its name by sharing stories and advice that resonate with women across the globe. With editions in 64 countries and available in 110 languages, Cosmo has truly become a worldwide phenomenon. What began as a modest family magazine back in 1886 has transformed over the years into a vibrant lifestyle publication. It underwent a dramatic transformation under the helm of Helen Gurley in 1965, pushing boundaries with its daring content on fashion, relationships, and feminism. Embracing the mantra of ‘Fun Fearless Feminism’, Cosmo quickly became a household name, captivating readers everywhere and remaining a staple on magazine racks to this day.
5. BoF – Business of Fashion
The Business of Fashion, born in 2007 under the vision of Imran Amed, isn’t just a magazine—it’s like that cool new friend who quickly wins over everyone’s hearts. From students to seasoned editors and stylists, it’s captured a dedicated following with its insightful content. BoF isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s like the wise sage of the fashion world, offering authoritative insights akin to ‘The Economist of Fashion.’ If you’re hungry for the stories behind fashion’s evolution, from trendsetting to economic impact, BoF is the must-have magazine for any true fashion aficionado.
6. W
W Magazine, born back in 1972, is like that old friend who always stirs up interesting conversations. It’s an American magazine cherished for its genuine and stimulating take on culture, fashion, celebrities, and lifestyle. Back in 2000, it joined the Conde Nast family under the leadership of Stefano Tonchi. What sets W apart is its fearlessness in delving into topics others might shy away from. While this approach has won it a dedicated following, it’s also landed the magazine in hot water with its edgy columns and features.
7. InStyle
InStyle isn’t just for the ladies; it’s a must-read for anyone who loves diving into lifestyle and fashion. It’s one of those rare publications that shines both in print and online. Ariel Foxman, who’s been part of the InStyle family for 25 years, used to steer the ship until Laura Brown took the helm a couple of years back. With its presence in 16 countries worldwide, InStyle is your global go-to. Whether you’re seeking celebrity style secrets, a fresh hairdo, life hacks, or fashion tips, InStyle has got you covered!
8. Allure
Allure isn’t just your average magazine – it’s like that familiar friend you always see at the newsstands, chatting about everything from beauty to health and wellness, especially for women. Linda Wells started it up back in 1991, and since then, it’s evolved to match the changing times, tweaking its content and even little things like sizing to stay relevant. With around 8 million online readers and over 5 million subscribers, Allure has been a trusted source for its audience right from the beginning.
9. Numero
In 1998, Elisabeth Dijan set out on a mission with Numéro: to craft content that resonated with savvy, cultured women, and to elevate standards along the way. Covering everything from fashion to lifestyle, design, music, and art, Numéro has stood the test of time as a beacon of influence, capturing the hearts and minds of its readers since day one.
10. V
V Magazine, created by Cecilia Dean back in ’98, began as a special edition mag, dropping fresh lifestyle and fashion content every quarter. They roll out four releases a year, capturing the pulse of evolving trends in culture, music, and fashion. Stephen Gan, hailed as the Creative Visionary Head, fosters an environment where artists and fashion lovers have the freedom to express themselves. Through pioneering columns and captivating visuals, V Magazine amplifies unique voices that often remain unheard. With a subscriber base of over 3 million, their hunger for uncovering distinctive stories only grows stronger.
11. Grazia
Grazia, Italy’s fashion and lifestyle leader, hit the scene back in 1938. What sets it apart from the rest? Well, it’s not just about trends and glamour; Grazia seamlessly weaves together fashion, lifestyle, arts, and what’s happening in the world. This distinct blend has drawn in a diverse group of sophisticated readers, whether they’re flipping through pages or scrolling online. Now, Grazia’s influence spans across five continents, boasting 20 editions and a whopping 35 million readership. It’s a hub for fresh perspectives and untold stories, giving you something you won’t find anywhere else.
12. Marie Claire
Evelyn Prouvost, a trailblazing figure in the fashion world, kickstarted Marie Claire back in 1937 driven by her boundless curiosity about life and culture. Right off the bat, the magazine struck a chord with readers, with the debut issue flying off shelves, and the second edition even surpassing that success. But Marie Claire wasn’t just about the latest fashion or trends—it became a beacon for women in the post-World War II era, capturing the essence of a rapidly changing society. It seamlessly blended fashion with insightful journalism, sparking the interest of people worldwide. Since then, Marie Claire’s journey has been one of continuous growth, now reaching readers across 35 countries and in 24 languages.
13. Vanity Fair
Wow, yet another addition to Conde Nast’s impressive lineup of magazines! This one has quite the history – it began back in 1913, ran for a good twenty years until 1936, and then made a comeback in 1983 after Conde Nast stepped in. Vanity Fair has been blessed with the wisdom and expertise of some true legends, which is why it’s known for its unique flair and top-notch quality. It’s cherished not just by industry insiders but also by modern fashion bloggers, art lovers, and anyone who’s passionate about lifestyle and fashion.
14. Essense
Essence, the beloved American Lifestyle magazine, is a heartfelt tribute to women of African-American descent. Since its inception in 1970, it has been a beacon of beauty, celebrity buzz, wanderlust, entertainment, style, and heritage. With its global reach, Essence uplifts and celebrates women of color, amplifying their accomplishments with fearless pride. It’s more than just a magazine; it’s a voice of solidarity for the black community, advocating for ‘global diversity’ every step of the way. With its unwavering support, Essence continues to captivate readers worldwide, standing as a testament to the resilience and creativity of black women everywhere. And let’s not forget the legendary Essence Music Festival, a spectacular event that unites music lovers from around the globe, making it one of the largest celebrations of its kind.
