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Interview
Cover of the Spring 2024 issue, featuring Rihanna by Nadia Lee Cohen
Editor in ChiefMel Ottenberg[1]
Editorial & Design DirectorRichard Turley
Editor at LargeChristopher Bollen
CategoriesPop culture
FrequencyBimonthly
FounderAndy Warhol, John Wilcock
First issueOctober 1969 (1969-10)
CompanyCrystal Ball Media
CountryUnited States
Based inNew York City
Websiteinterviewmagazine.com
ISSN0149-8932

Interview is an American magazine founded by pop artist Andy Warhol and journalist John Wilcock in 1969.[2] The magazine, nicknamed "The Crystal Ball of Pop,"[3][4] features interviews of and by celebrities.

Background

[edit]

In 1965, pop artist Andy Warhol announced his retirement from painting to focus on filmmaking.[5] After he survived an assassination attempt in 1968, he began to concentrate on building a business enterprise.[5] When Warhol tried to obtain press permits for the New York Film Festival, he was denied.[6] Therefore, having a formal method for obtaining press passes was one of the reasons he founded inter/VIEW: A Monthly Film Journal with British journalist John Wilcock in 1969.[2][6]

The magazine, which was headquartered at Warhol's Factory, started as a film review before shifting its emphasis to pop culture. "I felt there was a need for an easygoing, conversational magazine,' said Warhol.[7] "Every other paper is full of bad news, but we publish only good."[7]

Interview was published monthly, but is now published six times per year (March, Spring, Summer, September, Fall, Winter).

History

[edit]
Covers displayed in the Andy Warhol Museum

Andy Warhol period

[edit]

The magazine was launched in October 1969 with a cover featuring a still from the experimental film Lions Love…(and Lies), which starred Warhol superstar Viva.[8][9][10] Initially, the magazine was merely a film critique spread published under the title inter/VIEW: A Monthly Film Journal, with the word "view" paying homage to poet Charles Henri Ford, the publisher of the influential literary magazine View in the 1940s.[6]

Gerard Malanga, Paul Morrissey, John Wilcock and Andy Warhol served as editors of Interview's inaugural issue.[11] By the fourth issue, Morrissey was the top editor since Malanga had left for Europe, and Soren Agenoux was hired as the managing editor.[11]

Bob Colacello was taking a film course at Columbia University when he began writing film reviews for Interview in 1970. By the fall of 1970, Colacello was hired as the managing editor at a salary of $50 ($400 in 2024[12]) a week.[11] He brought in his friend and classmate Glenn O'Brien as an associate editor.[13] Colacello's first issue featured film 1940s-era stills of actress Rita Hayworth on the cover and on every page. The idea came from Morrissey, who told Colacello, "Just put one on every page and it'll be funny."[14]

In 1970, film director Jerome Hill and Charles Rydell became part-owners of Interview.[11] Their share was sold to Peter Brant and his cousin Joe Allen in 1971.[15]

By 1972, Interview had a circulation of 30,000, mostly subscriptions.[16] O'Brien worked with artist Richard Bernstein to create the new cursive Interview logo, which is still used today.[13] The magazine increased size, started printing color covers, and was distributed regularly for 50 cents ($4 in 2024[12]) per copy.[16] Interview was transformed to become a "reflection of Andy’s social life" said Colacello.[17] "We wanted every issue of Interview to be like a great dinner party, where you have a grande dame, an important political figure, a rock star, an up-and-coming actress, and some model."[14]

O'Brien and his wife Jude Jade sold advertising for the magazine before Sandra Brant became the director of advertising in 1972.[18] O'Brien succeeded Colacello as managing editor of Interview in 1972 and continued in that capacity until 1973.[11] In 1973, Rosemary Kent, an editor from WWD magazine, became the editor-in-chief of Interview, which at that point had a circulation of almost 70,000.[19] In 1974, Colacello took over as editor-in-chief and remained in that position until 1983.[18]

Warhol hosted parties for the magazine at New York hotspots such as Studio 54 and Regine's. He used a tape recorder he had in his pocket to capture content for Interview.[17] The interviews were taped conversations of well-known eclectic people usually at a restaurant and published as a literal transcription. Another trademark of the magazine were full-page photographs of "beautiful people."[20]

By 1981, Interview was priced at $2 ($10 in 2024[12]) a copy and had a circulation of 90,000.[21] The magazine was described as a "hybrid of People and Vogue on elongated newsprint."[21]

From 1972 to 1989, the artist Richard Bernstein created the covers for Interview, giving the publication its bold and colorful signature style.[22] Francesco Scavullo, Robert Mapplethorpe, Christopher Makos, Herb Ritts, Mario Testino, and David LaChapelle were among the pioneering photographers whose work was featured in the magazine.[23] Writer Fran Lebowitz was paid $10 ($40 in 2024[12]) a review for her film column. Fashion journalist André Leon Talley answered the phones and styled shoots.[14]

Over time, Warhol withdrew from everyday oversight of Interview but he continued to act as an ambassador for the magazine, distributing issues in the street to passersby and promoting the magazine at events.[21]

Brant Publications period

[edit]

In 1989, Brant Publications Inc. acquired Interview magazine from the estate of Andy Warhol for $10 million.[24] Businessman Peter Brant and his then-wife Sandra Brant were friends of Warhol, who died in 1987, and they had invested in Interview in the 1970s.[24]

April 2011 cover, featuring Lil Wayne

From 1989 to 2008, Sandra Brant ran the business and her longtime partner Ingrid Sischy was the editor-in-chief.[25][26] The magazine's format remained consistent at 60% features and 40% glossy advertising. Following her hiring at Interview, Sischy operated the company for a few months at Warhol's Factory before relocating the headquarters downtown to 575 Broadway in 1990, where Jed Johnson decorated the space.[27] In 2008, Sischy resigned from Interview when Brant sold her 50 percent stake.[25]

2008 to 2018

[edit]

For a year and a half the magazine was in flux, edited by Christopher Bollen.[28] Interview restarted under co-editorial directors Fabien Baron and Glenn O'Brien in September 2008, with a cover featuring Kate Moss. Stephen Mooallem and Christopher Bollen served as the working editor-in-chief and editor-at-large, respectively. The publication's content can be found online and via an app, Other Edition, available on iTunes.

As of 2017, Fabien Baron was the editorial director, Karl Templer was the creative director, and Nick Haramis was the editor-in-chief. In December 2013, Stephen Mooallem left Interview to join Harper's Bazaar as its executive editor. Keith Pollock served as editor-in-chief from 2014 to 2016.[29]

It was announced on May 21, 2018, that the publication 'folded' and would end both its print and web publications by the end of 2018. The publication also filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and liquidation.[30][31][32][33]

Relaunch

[edit]

In August 2018, it was reported that a company owned by Peter Brant, Singleton LLC, purchased Interview out of bankruptcy for $1.5 million.[34]

On September 6, 2018, Interview announced the launch of its 521st issue.[35][36] The magazine was purchased by Kelly Brant and Jason Nikic,[37] with some reports suggesting that the title's intellectual property will be returned to Peter Brant.[38][39]

Editors

[edit]

Managing Editor / Executive Editor / Editor-in-Chief

Editor Start year End year Ref.
Gerard Malanga 1969 1970 [11]
Soren Agenoux 1970 1970 [11]
Kenneth Geist 1970 1970 [40]
Bob Colacello 1970 1971 [18]
Glenn O'Brien 1972 1973 [11]
Rosemary Kent 1973 1974 [19]
Bob Colacello 1974 1983 [18]
Robert Hayes 1983 1984 [41]
Gael Love 1985 1987 [42]
Kevin Sessums 1987 1989 [43]
Shelley Wanger 1988 1990 [42]
Ingrid Sischy 1990 2008 [26]
Christopher Bollen 2008 2009 [44]
Nick Haramis 2017 2021 [45]
Mel Ottenberg 2021 present [46]

Editions

[edit]
Country Circulation Dates Editor-in-Chief Star year End year
United States (Interview) 1969–2018 See above
2018–present
Russia (Interview Russia) 2011– Aliona Doletskaya 2011 2017
Germany (Interview Germany) 2012–2020 Joerg Koch[47] 2012 2013
Lisa Feldmann[47][48] 2013 2014
Brazil [49] 1980s-1990s

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Interview (magazine)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Interview is an American magazine founded in late 1969 by pop artist and British journalist John Wilcock as a platform for creative conversations and cultural insights. Initially launched as a film journal to critique movies and gain access to exclusive events, it quickly evolved into a celebrated publication featuring raw, tape-recorded interviews with celebrities, artists, musicians, and influencers in fields like , , , and literature. Nicknamed "the Crystal Ball of Pop" for its prescient take on emerging trends and downtown New York cool, Interview became an iconic symbol of Warhol's artistic practice, blending , , , and while serving as a chronicle of pop culture's . From its early years under the direction of founder until his death in 1987, the magazine's distinctive format—often consisting of unedited Q&A dialogues alongside bold photography and minimalist design—cemented its reputation as a boundary-pushing outlet that captured the raw voices of its subjects. Subsequent editors, including and , expanded its influence through high-profile covers and features that spotlighted rising stars and established icons alike. After nearly five decades of publication, faced financial challenges and abruptly ceased operations in May 2018, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy amid lawsuits and unpaid wages. The magazine was swiftly revived in September 2018, repurchased by its previous owner, , with a refreshed masthead including and Richard Turley, signaling a commitment to its legacy while adapting to contemporary media landscapes. Today, remains active, publishing both print issues and that continue its tradition of intimate, unfiltered dialogues between the world's most innovative figures in and .

Founding and Background

Origins and Launch

Interview magazine was founded in late 1969 by pop artist and British journalist John Wilcock as a monthly film journal centered on underground cinema. The publication emerged from Warhol's frustrations with being denied press passes to events like the New York Film Festival, prompting him to create his own outlet for accessing premieres and critiquing films. Initial production was modest and inexpensive, formatted like a newspaper with contributions from Warhol's collaborators, including poet and filmmaker , who joined as editors alongside Wilcock. Printing and distribution were facilitated through Wilcock's extensive connections in New York, keeping costs low without reliance on major external funding. Warhol envisioned as a platform for unfiltered voices, inspired by the candid, improvisational ethos of his studio scene, where artists, filmmakers, and performers mingled freely. This approach aimed to merge , , and emerging pop culture in raw, question-and-answer interviews that captured authentic dialogue without heavy editing. The name "Inter/View" was a nod to the avant-garde View magazine of the , reflecting Warhol's intent to position the publication as a fresh lens on cultural intersections. By prioritizing direct exchanges, Warhol sought to democratize access and spotlight the underground figures shaping the era's creative landscape. The inaugural issue, released in November 1969, featured a provocative cover image of French filmmaker directing the cast of her experimental film Lions Love (...and Lies), including actors Viva, , and , emphasizing the magazine's focus on boundary-pushing cinema. This debut edition included reviews and interviews tied to New York screenings, setting a tone for intimate, insider perspectives on indie films. Early copies were distributed primarily through niche channels in New York's art and film communities, such as galleries, theaters, and personal networks, establishing Interview as an insider's digest rather than a mass-market title. The publication soon acquired its enduring nickname, "The Crystal Ball of Pop," for its ability to foresee cultural trends through these unvarnished conversations.

Initial Format and Vision

Interview magazine debuted in late 1969 with a distinctive Q&A format that featured celebrities and cultural figures interviewing one another, prioritizing raw, conversational dialogue over polished journalistic narratives. This approach emphasized unedited transcripts to capture intimate, unfiltered exchanges, setting it apart from conventional magazines by forgoing explanatory articles in favor of direct voices and visual elements. Founded as a "Monthly Film Journal" to coincide with the , the publication quickly evolved into a platform for Warhol's regulars, such as Viva and Ingrid Superstar, to engage with stars like and , fostering a sense of communal gossip and authenticity. Visually, the initial issues adopted an oversized tabloid format measuring approximately 11.5 by 16.5 inches, printed on newsprint to evoke an underground, accessible aesthetic influenced by Warhol's sensibilities. Bold photography and minimalist layouts dominated the pages, with photo spreads highlighting celebrities in candid, high-contrast poses that mirrored the era's fascination with fame and immediacy. This design choice reflected Warhol's vision of the magazine as a "mirror" to , blending high and low through stark imagery and sparse text, while avoiding the glossy polish that would characterize later iterations. The format's raw energy drew from Warhol's environment, positioning Interview as a proto-social for aspirational identity and downtown cool. Warhol's conceptual goals centered on extending his social and artistic sphere, using the magazine to document and amplify the "Beautiful People" of New York’s underground scene while serving as a tool for networking and party invitations. By relying on his personal connections for content—interviews conducted by friends and Factory denizens—the publication avoided traditional editorial hierarchies, embodying Warhol's philosophy of celebrity as a democratic, voyeuristic spectacle. Early challenges included limited initial distribution, with copies often handed out for free on streets like Madison Avenue or at events to build buzz among a niche audience, rather than through widespread sales. This grassroots approach, coupled with the magazine's dependence on Warhol's charisma and Rolodex, underscored its precarious start as a passion project more than a commercial venture.

Historical Periods

Andy Warhol Era (1969–1989)

Founded in late 1969 by and journalist John Wilcock as a modest "Monthly Film Journal" initially focused on promoting Warhol's underground films, Interview quickly evolved into a broader platform celebrating pop culture. By 1970, the publication shifted from its quarterly origins to a bimonthly schedule, expanding its content to encompass fashion, music, and alongside , reflecting Warhol's vision of capturing the through unfiltered celebrity voices. This growth was fueled by the magazine's headquarters at Warhol's studio, where the artist personally leveraged his network of superstars and socialites to secure high-profile contributors and advertisers, turning the publication into a vital extension of his empire. A pivotal development came in 1972 with the introduction of , which dramatically enhanced Interview's visual appeal and established its signature aesthetic. Illustrator Richard Bernstein was brought on to create vibrant, hand-painted cover portraits over photographic bases, producing 189 such works through the late 1980s that featured icons like and , infusing the magazine with a playful, pop-art flair. Warhol himself conducted several landmark interviews during this period, highlighting the magazine's intimate, peer-to-peer Q&A format. These features not only boosted circulation but also solidified Interview's reputation as a cultural barometer, blending high art with celebrity gossip in a way that mirrored Warhol's ethos. Despite its creative successes, the Warhol era was marked by financial volatility, with the magazine relying heavily on Warhol's personal involvement in ad sales and recruitment to offset inconsistent revenues from its niche, appeal. Operating out of , Warhol acted as a hands-on manager, using his connections to solicit endorsements and subscriptions, which helped stabilize operations amid fluctuating print costs and distribution challenges. As Warhol's health deteriorated in the mid-1980s—culminating in his from surgical complications on February 22, —the publication faced increasing uncertainty, leading to its sale from his estate to publisher for $10 million in 1989, a transaction timed with the release of Warhol's posthumously published diaries. This sale marked the end of Warhol's direct influence, preserving the magazine's legacy while transitioning it to new ownership.

Brant Publications Ownership (1989–2008)

In 1989, Brant Publications Inc., led by art collector and publisher Peter M. Brant and his wife Sandra J. Brant, acquired Interview magazine from Andy Warhol's estate for a reported $10 million. This purchase transitioned the publication from its origins as a bohemian, artist-driven venture into a more professionalized operation under a established , emphasizing financial stability and broader commercial appeal. The following year, in 1990, Ingrid Sischy was appointed editor-in-chief, drawing on her prior experience as editor of Artforum to refocus the magazine's content on high-fashion, contemporary art, and cultural intersections. Sischy's editorial vision elevated Interview's profile by commissioning visually striking portfolios and interviews that bridged the art world with emerging fashion trends, transforming it into a key platform for creative elites. Her 18-year tenure until 2008 marked a period of consistent innovation in storytelling and aesthetics. Under Brant Publications, Interview achieved notable business expansion in the 1990s, driven by rising advertising revenue from luxury brands such as those in the and sectors, which recognized the magazine's influential readership. Strategic partnerships with high-end advertisers supported operational growth, including an increased publication schedule that sustained its relevance amid a competitive print landscape. This era solidified Interview as a commercially viable title, with circulation and ad pages reflecting its strengthened market position. Key milestones included iconic 1990s covers featuring supermodels like , often shot by photographers such as , which underscored the magazine's embrace of the era's zeitgeist. As gained traction in the 2000s, primarily maintained its print-centric model with minimal online development, prioritizing tactile, high-production issues over early web adaptations.

Post-Brant Challenges (2008–2018)

In 2008, amid the global financial crisis, acquired full ownership of Interview magazine by purchasing his ex-wife Sandra Brant's 50 percent stake in Brant Publications for approximately $15 million, ending their joint control that had begun in 1989. This transition plunged the publication into a period of uncertainty, with operations disrupted for about 18 months and irregular publishing schedules as the company restructured. The economic exacerbated these challenges, contributing to erratic release schedules and a scramble to stabilize the title's direction. The magazine relaunched in September 2008 under co-editorial directors and , both former contributors from the Warhol era, aiming to recapture its pop culture edge with a focus on high-fashion and interviews. However, editorial leadership proved unstable throughout the decade, marked by frequent turnovers that reflected broader struggles to adapt to shifting media landscapes. Christopher Bollen succeeded as in 2009, followed by Stephen Mooallem until 2013, Keith Pollock from around 2014 to 2016, and Nick Haramis starting in 2017; these changes often coincided with efforts to pivot toward and , though print remained central. Financial pressures mounted as declined in the post-recession print market, leading to multiple lawsuits over unpaid debts and wages that highlighted severe issues. In 2016, former president Dan Ragone sued for $170,000 in back pay, while chief financial officer Deborah Blassucci filed a similar claim; associate publisher Jane Katz followed in 2017 seeking over $230,000. By 2018, the magazine owed money to nearly 300 creditors, including vendors and staff, amid reports of operational disarray. These woes culminated in the announcement of closure on May 21, 2018, after 49 years, with Brant Publications filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and ceasing both print and online operations immediately.

Relaunch and Contemporary Developments (2018–present)

Following its abrupt closure in May 2018 amid financial difficulties, Interview magazine was acquired out of bankruptcy by Singleton LLC, a company controlled by publisher and art collector , for $1.5 million in August 2018. The acquisition allowed for a swift revival, with the magazine relaunching its print edition on September 6, 2018, marking issue 521 and featuring filmmaker on the cover in a tribute to artistic innovation. Under the new ownership, Interview adopted a hybrid print-digital model to adapt to contemporary media landscapes, resuming quarterly print issues while enhancing its online presence with a revamped and deeper integration of platforms for broader audience engagement. This approach emphasized content, including video interviews and interactive features, to complement the traditional oversized print format known for its bold visuals and celebrity conversations. By 2025, the magazine had achieved stable operations, with Singleton LLC maintaining uninterrupted ownership and no reported major structural changes. A key recent milestone was the Fall 2025 issue (number 563), released in October and featuring actor on the cover, alongside in-depth profiles such as one with menswear influencer , highlighting the publication's continued focus on and cultural figures. As of November 2025, continues to publish regularly, blending its Warhol-era legacy with modern digital strategies to sustain relevance in the evolving industry.

Editorial Leadership

Key Editors and Their Tenures

served as the founding editor of Interview from 1969 to 1987, overseeing its development into a landmark publication that blended , celebrity culture, and unfiltered interviews. John Wilcock served as co-editor of Interview from its founding in 1969 alongside , helping establish the magazine as a platform for unfiltered conversations with cultural figures in film, art, and music. His role emphasized the publication's underground roots, drawing from his experience as a pioneer in alternative . Bob Colacello acted as managing editor from 1971 to 1983 during the Andy Warhol era, where he directed the magazine's focus on high-society events, celebrity profiles, and insider scoops that captured New York's glittering social scene. Colacello's tenure solidified Interview's reputation for raw, tape-recorded dialogues and party dispatches, blending journalism with Warhol's pop art ethos. Under Brant Publications ownership starting in 1989, took over as editor-in-chief from 1990 to 2008, transforming Interview into a prestigious venue for sophisticated editorials and in-depth artistic interviews that bridged and celebrity. Her leadership emphasized intellectual rigor and visual innovation, attracting contributors who elevated the magazine's standing in the art and worlds. After Sischy's departure, briefly served as editorial director in 2008 for the post-Sischy relaunch, aiming to recapture the magazine's original cool-factor edge, while acted as editorial director from 2008 to 2017. Nick Haramis then became in 2017, leading the magazine until 2021. Following financial challenges and a 2018 relaunch, was named editor-in-chief in 2021, infusing the publication with witty, digitally attuned content that resonates with contemporary audiences through humorous takes on pop culture and trends. 's approach, built on his prior role as since 2018, has revitalized Interview's relevance in a fragmented media landscape.

Signature Style and Content Approach

Interview magazine has consistently adhered to a core editorial formula centered on question-and-answer (Q&A) interviews conducted by celebrities interviewing their peers, fostering intimate and unfiltered dialogues that capture the essence of pop culture figures. This format, which emphasizes raw transcripts over narrative exposition, often features prominent personalities posing questions to one another, such as Jennifer Lawrence interviewing Kylie Jenner or friends and fans questioning Diane Keaton, highlighting personal insights into fame, creativity, and daily life. Complementing these conversations are extensive photo portfolios that showcase subjects in artistic, often provocative settings, prioritizing visual storytelling through high-impact imagery rather than textual analysis. The magazine largely avoids traditional bylined articles, instead opting for this streamlined approach that lets the subjects' voices and visuals dominate, a stylistic choice rooted in its founding vision of democratizing celebrity access. Thematically, Interview blends high fashion, music, film, and underground culture, creating a mosaic that bridges mainstream glamour with subversive edges, from Warhol-era spotlights on emerging artists to later explorations of nightlife icons and avant-garde creators. This focus has evolved over time, particularly in post-2018 relaunches, to incorporate social issues such as mass incarceration, immigrant rights, and food inequity, as seen in features amplifying activist voices amid political moments like the 2018 midterms. The publication's content approach prioritizes cultural zeitgeist over exhaustive reporting, using representative examples—like portfolios on grunge queens or conversations with indie filmmakers—to illustrate broader trends in creativity and society. Design-wise, Interview is renowned for its large-format that dominates pages with striking, oversized images, paired with bold that amplifies headlines and quotes for dramatic effect. Artist collaborations have been integral, notably Richard Bernstein's vibrant, mixed-media illustrations for covers from 1972 to 1989, which layered airbrushed colors, , and over photographs of stars like and , infusing the magazine with a pop-art flair that blended Hollywood prestige and whimsy. In the 2020s, adaptations have extended this aesthetic into digital realms while preserving the print legacy, incorporating video interviews that extend Q&A sessions into dynamic formats and Instagram tie-ins for real-time cultural snippets, such as reels previewing shoots or behind-the-scenes glimpses. These evolutions maintain the magazine's emphasis on visual boldness and conversational intimacy, ensuring its signature approach remains relevant across platforms.

International Editions

European and Other Regional Versions

An earlier foray into regional adaptations occurred with a Brazilian edition in the 1980s, during the later years of Andy Warhol's involvement, featuring Portuguese-language content and covers to appeal to South American pop culture and fashion enthusiasts. This version, which ran through the 1990s, was discontinued following the shift to Brant Publications' ownership in 1989. The Russian edition of Interview magazine was launched in 2011 under the ownership of Brant Publications as the brand's first international venture in . Edited by Aliona Doletskaya, formerly of Vogue Russia, the publication highlighted emerging Russian talent in fashion, art, and culture, including figures like actress and designer Ekaterina Krongaus, while blending luxury aesthetics with reflections on post-communist youth. Its debut issue featured on the cover and emphasized a sophisticated take on Russian heritage. The edition operated until 2017. In 2012, Interview expanded to with the appointment of Jörg Koch, founder of 032c magazine, as . The launch, helmed by Koch and Mike Meiré, targeted European audiences by showcasing international artists, designers, and creatives through intimate interviews and visually bold editorials, adapting the U.S. format to local trends and cultural narratives. It maintained a quarterly print schedule and gained attention for its subversive style. Koch stepped down in 2013, with subsequent editors including Lisa Feldmann. The German edition continued until 2020. Other exploratory efforts in the 2000s included tentative plans for Asian markets, but these did not result in sustained publications.

Adaptations and Closures

The international editions of Interview magazine were tailored to local tastes and cultural contexts to better engage regional audiences, building on the core Warhol-inspired format of celebrity interviews, fashion, and art. In Russia, launched in December 2011 under editor Aliona Doletskaya, the edition reflected the country's prominent role in the global luxury market. The German edition, debuting in early 2012, emphasized the dynamic Berlin art and nightlife scenes, featuring local artists and designers to capture the city's underground creative energy. In Brazil, the adaptation integrated elements of Carnival culture, showcasing vibrant street fashion and festive interviews to resonate with the nation's celebratory traditions and pop culture vibrancy. These editions faced closures amid a combination of global and local pressures. The 2018 Chapter 7 filing by the U.S.-based parent company created financial ripple effects, leading to the termination of licensing agreements and operational support for international versions. In , the edition ceased publication in 2017 due to economic challenges in the luxury publishing sector. Germany's edition ended in 2020, influenced by the broader decline in Europe's print magazine market, where advertising revenues have been falling amid a shift to . Following the closures, select content from the international editions was archived and integrated into the U.S. publication's digital platform after its relaunch, preserving notable interviews and features for global access. As of 2025, none of these regional editions have been relaunched, with no announcements from the current ownership under Singleton LLC, a company owned by . The trajectory of Interview's international efforts underscored key challenges in global publishing, particularly the difficulties of exporting a niche, high-end model like Warhol's—rooted in —to diverse markets amid rising digital competition, economic volatility, and localized content demands.

Cultural Impact

Influence on Pop Culture and Fashion

Interview magazine, founded by in 1969, played a pivotal role in shaping and by pioneering a raw, interview format that emphasized unfiltered personal revelations from stars, setting a precedent for the intimate disclosures later popularized in tabloids and . This approach transformed celebrity profiles into candid dialogues, often conducted peer-to-peer, which humanized icons and blurred the lines between public persona and private life, influencing the voyeuristic style of modern media. In fashion, the magazine's oversized, visually striking covers became trendsetters, capturing the glamour of the 1980s supermodel era by showcasing models like and in bold, artistic compositions that elevated runway looks into cultural artifacts. These covers, often featuring vibrant illustrations by Richard Bernstein, inspired a generation of independent publications, including Dazed & Confused, whose founder cited as a key influence in blending , , and pop experimentation. The magazine's broader pop culture ripple extended Warhol's Factory ethos of fame as disposable art, a model adopted by contemporary outlets like and Complex, which echoed its avant-garde mix of celebrity, irony, and subcultural edge to define youth media. Additionally, through features on underground figures like Divine in the , Interview contributed to LGBTQ+ visibility by normalizing expression within mainstream pop narratives during an era of limited representation. In the 2020s, Interview's legacy resonates in aesthetics and , where Warhol's vision of ephemeral fame prefigures the curated, confessional personas of digital creators, as noted in analyses of his role as the original influencer. The magazine's Q&A style, with its direct, unpolished authenticity, continues to inform viral content formats that prioritize personal over polished .

Notable Interviews and Covers

One of the magazine's foundational pieces was Andy Warhol's 1977 interview with , including , conducted during the band's prominence as countercultural icons, which exemplified Interview's raw, conversational style in capturing rock royalty's unfiltered persona. This early exchange set a precedent for celebrity-driven content that blurred lines between artist and subject. Similarly, the June 1979 cover featuring of Blondie, illustrated by Richard Bernstein, became a landmark for punk and new wave aesthetics, amplifying Harry's image as a style innovator and contributing to the mainstreaming of underground fashion trends during the late 1970s music explosion. In the 1990s, under editor Ingrid Sischy's leadership, the June 1990 issue spotlighted Madonna on the cover photographed by Herb Ritts, paired with an in-depth interview exploring her views on sexuality and fame amid the promotion of her provocative work, which resonated as a bold statement on female empowerment in pop culture. The feature captured the era's shifting attitudes toward gender and celebrity, influencing discussions on artistic boundary-pushing. Entering the 2000s, a 2007 profile on Kanye West, including an interview by Dimitri Ehrlich and artwork by Takashi Murakami, documented the rapper-producer's ascent from behind-the-scenes talent to cultural disruptor, highlighting his fusion of hip-hop, fashion, and innovation at a pivotal moment in his career. Following the 2018 relaunch, the magazine reaffirmed its relevance with high-profile pieces like the 2022 interview with by Jessica Hopper, where she discussed her business empire and personal evolution, reflecting contemporary conversations on entrepreneurship and media influence in the age. The Spring 2024 cover starring , photographed by and interviewed by editor-in-chief , delved into her life as a mother, mogul, and musician, embodying the zeitgeist of multifaceted female success and anticipation for her musical return. Continuing this tradition into 2025, the Spring issue featured on the cover, photographed by Katja Rahlwes and interviewed by , discussing survival in Hollywood and connecting across generations. These selections underscore Interview's enduring role in spotlighting figures who define cultural moments, from subversive style to global influence.

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  53. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/photo-portfolio-erin-wasson
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  69. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/life-lessons-from-blondie-frontwoman-debbie-harry
  70. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/thirstory-madonna-birth-week-let-the-music-play
  71. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/kanye-west
  72. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/tag/kim-kardashian
  73. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/rihanna-is-ready-to-confess
  74. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/natalie-portman-tells-jenna-ortega-how-to-survive-hollywood
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