Interview (magazine)

Interview (magazine). Founded in 1969 by the artist Andy Warhol and British journalist John Wilcock, the publication was originally conceived as a platform for intimate, unedited conversations between cultural figures. Often dubbed "The Crystal Ball of Pop," it became renowned for its distinctive, transcribed Q&A format and its pioneering fusion of high art with celebrity culture. The magazine served as a chronicle of downtown New York City's vibrant scene while shaping the visual and editorial language of contemporary fashion and arts journalism for decades.

History and founding

The concept for the magazine emerged from Andy Warhol's social orbit at The Factory, his famed studio, where he sought to document the era's creative energy. Launched with the financial backing of Warhol's patron, Fred Hughes, the first issue in November 1969 featured a conversation with Little Richard. Initially titled *inter/VIEW*, it was a modest, black-and-white publication focused on underground film. Following John Wilcock's departure, editor Bob Colacello joined in the early 1970s, steering its content towards the burgeoning worlds of Studio 54, fashion, and international jet set society. This shift, coupled with the artistic direction of designers like Richard Bernstein, who created iconic painted covers, transformed it into a glossy, influential monthly.

Content and style

The magazine's core identity was its signature, seemingly unmediated interview format, where subjects, often peers, conducted the conversations, leading to candid and revealing dialogues. This approach blurred the lines between interviewer and subject, creating a unique intimacy. Visually, it was defined by bold, stylized photography from luminaries like Bruce Weber, Herb Ritts, and Steven Meisel, which set trends in fashion photography. Its pages seamlessly mixed emerging musicians, Hollywood stars, visual artists, and designers, treating all with equal gravitas and a distinctive, cool aesthetic that celebrated both pop culture and the avant-garde.

Notable contributors and subjects

Over its history, the magazine featured an unparalleled roster of cultural icons. Early issues included conversations with John Lennon, Truman Capote, and Mick Jagger. It served as a launchpad for many, with Madonna's early cover in 1983 helping to cement her star status. Renowned photographers like Annie Leibovitz, David LaChapelle, and Peter Lindbergh contributed defining imagery. Writers and editors such as Glenn O'Brien and Ingrid Sischy shaped its voice, while subjects spanned from Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring to Diana Ross, Marlon Brando, and Drew Barrymore. In later years, it featured contemporary figures like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Barack Obama.

Cultural impact and legacy

The publication fundamentally altered celebrity journalism by presenting stars in their own words, a format widely emulated across media. It acted as a crucial barometer for trends in art, music, and style, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. The magazine's aesthetic, merging Warhol's pop sensibilities with high-fashion gloss, influenced countless other titles, from *Vanity Fair* to *Vogue*. Its legacy is that of a cultural catalyst, documenting and defining eras from the disco period through the rise of supermodels and into the 21st century, maintaining a reputation for discovering and anointing new talent.

Ownership and publication timeline

Following Andy Warhol's death in 1987, the magazine was managed by his estate, with Fred Hughes serving as chairman. In 1989, it was sold to publishing magnate Peter Brant, founder of Brant Publications, Inc.. Under the editorial leadership of Ingrid Sischy (1989–2008) and later Sandra Brant, it continued publication, though it faced financial challenges in the digital era. The magazine ceased print publication in May 2018, transitioning briefly to an online-only format before suspending operations entirely later that year. Its archives remain a significant historical record of modern popular culture.