If you’re an avid reader of any modern day fashion magazine, you’ll know that these days, fashion magazine covers can be quite hectic and full on.
Magazines like Cosmo tend to be flamboyant and colorful, while also riddled with bold headlines, which aim to increase sales.
Rewind a few decades, though, and you’ll notice that most fashion magazines were far more elegant and minimalistic. They often featured stunning illustrations and/or photography, and many of them look as fresh today as they did back when they were published.
In fact, many of these covers are so iconic that they make great posters, so we thought we’d round up a few of our absolute favorites below, order them online from a site like fastprint.co.uk if you find one you like:
#1 – Vogue (July 1941)
Designed by René Bouét-Willaumez, this image featured as the front cover of Vogue in July 1941.
It depicts a woman in a stunning flower hat, rounded sunglasses, reading a magazine (which actually lists a number of featured writers from that particular copy of Vogue).
It’s a stunning image that makes beautiful use of bright colours, yet they’re far from overwhelming. It would almost certainly look beautiful in any home.
#2 – Vogue (January 1959)
Featuring a photograph taken by photographer, Louise Dahl-Wolfe, this cover of Vogue from January 1959 features two stylish women sitting on the beach, one of which is holding a simple yet elegant pink umbrella.
Both of the women are also wearing simple red/pink bathing suits, and appear to be sat on a wicker basket.
It’s a simple image, but that’s what makes it so iconic.
#3 – L’Officiel (Chapeaux D’Automne)
L’Officiel has published yet another beautifully minimalistic magazine cover here, which features a man and woman, sat on two horses.
It’s a beautifully illustrated piece, which would no doubt make a great addition to any home.
The red of the woman’s outfit really stands out from this cover.
#4 – Vogue (July 1939)
Photographed by photographer, Horst P. Horst back in July 1939, this absolutely stunning Vogue magazine cover is both patriotic and light-hearted in nature.
It features the well-known fashion model, Muriel Maxwell, wearing a simple blouse, white sunglasses, and holding on to a stunning red/white striped purse.
She appears to be applying red lipstick using the mirror on her purse in this image.
#5 – Harper’s Bazaar (July 1932)
Harper’s Bazaar has created another stunning magazine cover here, taken from the July 1932 edition of their iconic magazine.
It features a woman, dressed in a red spotted top and skirt, relaxing on what appears to be a motorboat.
It’s a simple image, but the colour scheme really brings it to life. Perhaps the most iconic part of the illustration is the red scarf blowing in the wind.
#6 – Cosmopolitan (May 1934)
Cosmopolitan has created a stunning, iconic front cover here, taken from the May 1934 edition of the magazine.
It features a beautiful photograph of a woman, wearing and holding a long necklace. Her facial expression is really what gives life to the image; she appears to be lost in her own deep thoughts.
It’s a far cry from the colorful and somewhat cluttered Cosmo magazine covers we see today.
#7 – Vogue (July 1937)
In this iconic Vogue cover, taken from the July 1937 edition of the magazine, Spanish-born illustrator Eduardo Garcia Benito manages to portray a beautiful, yet highly understated beach scene.
It depicts a woman and her dog (a terrier), venturing out for a summer stroll on the beach.
The image makes stunning use of colour (predominantly blue), giving the image a fresh and summery feel.
#8 – L’Officiel (Jacques Heim, Ensemble De Plage En Coton)
L’Officiel has created another stunningly beautiful cover here, depicting a colorful beach scene.
The centrepiece of the image is, of course, the woman, who is wearing a stunning combination of a bright red bathing costume, and a blue and white sarong.
In the background, you see a cloudless beach scene, which further adds to the feel of the image.
#9 – Vogue (November 1939)
Designed by Carl Erickson, this stunning illustration was featured on the November 1939 cover of Vogue.
It depicts a woman, wrapped up in a thick leopard skin coat, which is accented by a bright, vivid, orange background.
It’s an absolutely stunning piece, which would make an excellent and colorful centrepiece.
#10 – Vogue (February 1935)
Lastly, we have another illustration from Carl Erickson, which featured on the February 1935 edition of Vogue.
It’s an exceptionally minimalistic piece, depicting a woman applying her eye shadow in a steady, concentrated manner.
If you’re a lover of minimalistic imagery, this is the perfect poster for you.
Disclosure: This is a guest post from Kustom Design Printing LTD and images provided are for the readers convenience. I have been compensated for this publication. See full Disclosure Policy.