The Story Of The Face The Magazine That Changed Culture
Throughout history, there have been a number of publications that have had a significant impact on culture. From Time Magazine to Rolling Stone, these publications have shaped the way we think and feel about the world around us. However, one magazine in particular stands out as having had a truly transformative effect on youth culture in the United Kingdom during the 1980s and 1990s: The Face.
The Birth of The Face
The Face was first published in May 1980 by Nick Logan, a former editor of the music magazine NME. Logan had a vision of creating a magazine that would reflect the emerging youth culture of the time, which was heavily influenced by punk and new wave music, fashion, and art. The magazine's tagline was "The Magazine That Changed Culture," and it quickly became clear that this was no mere marketing slogan.
The Rise of The Face
From its first issue, The Face was unlike anything that had come before it. The magazine featured cutting-edge fashion spreads, interviews with emerging musicians and artists, and photo essays that captured the spirit of the times. The magazine's design was also groundbreaking, with bold graphics and layouts that reflected the energy and excitement of the youth culture it was documenting.
As the 1980s progressed, The Face became increasingly influential. The magazine covered everything from the rise of hip hop culture to the emergence of acid house music, and its pages were filled with the work of some of the most talented photographers, writers, and designers of the era. The Face also helped to launch the careers of a number of musicians, including Madonna, who was featured on the cover of the magazine's first US edition in 1985.
The Legacy of The Face
The Face continued to be a major cultural force throughout the 1990s, but by the end of the decade, the magazine had lost some of its edge. In 1999, Nick Logan sold The Face to the publishing company Emap, and in 2004, the magazine ceased publication altogether. However, the legacy of The Face lives on. The magazine's influence can be seen in everything from the work of contemporary fashion designers to the music that young people listen to today.
Looking back on the history of The Face, it's clear that this was a publication that truly changed culture. The magazine's bold, irreverent approach to youth culture inspired a generation of young people to think differently about fashion, music, and art, and its impact can still be felt today.