Launched in 1980, The Face was more than just a magazine,it was a visual and editorial revolution, a true style bible that transformed fashion, music, and the aesthetics of subcultures.
Photos : The Face Magazine/National Portrait Gallery/Kbsp/DR
When image becomes a cultural manifesto
With its bold design, iconic covers, and avant-garde photography, The Face didn’t just document trends, it shaped and reinvented them, influencing an entire generation. Today, this legacy is celebrated at the National Portrait Gallery with the exhibition “The Face Magazine : Culture Shift,” showcasing its impact through original prints, films, and captivating archives.
Image as a catalyst for change
From Kate Moss to Alexander McQueen and Kurt Cobain, The Face captured the essence of icons whose influence transcended their era. The exhibition brings together these legendary covers as well as more intimate images that highlight the magazine’s pioneering role. At the crossroads of art, fashion, and music, The Face embraced a raw, authentic aesthetic, challenging conventions and giving voice to younger generations through powerful visual storytelling.
Photos : The Face Magazine/National Portrait Gallery/Kbsp/DR
A radical and pioneering publication
Founded by Nick Logan, The Face was conceived as a monthly magazine where visual experimentation met social critique. It became the ultimate reference of the 1980s and 1990s, propelling stylists, photographers, and designers into the spotlight. Fashion was reimagined through the lens of underground movements, influenced by punk, hip-hop, and acid house,eventually culminating in the Britpop and Cool Britannia explosion of the ’90s. Visionary photographers such as Corinne Day, Juergen Teller, Norbert Schoerner, and Inez & Vinoodh helped define a new style, far removed from the rigid conventions of traditional magazines.
Photos : The Face Magazine/National Portrait Gallery/Kbsp/DR
A legacy that lives on
Despite its closure in 2004 due to market shifts and ownership changes, The Face never lost its aura. Revived in 2019, it continues its role as a trendsetter, seamlessly blending print and digital content, while maintaining its bold spirit and commitment to emerging talent. “The Face Magazine: Culture Shift” celebrates this cultural revolution and raises an essential question: How far can imagery go in shaping mindsets and influencing youth?
Exhibition details
National Portrait Gallery
St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE
+44(0)20 7306 0055
Open daily: 10:30 – 18:00
Friday & Saturday
10:30 – 21:00
Photos : The Face Magazine/National Portrait Gallery/Kbsp/DR
