The Future of Life Magazine with Karlie Kloss and Joshua Kushner
The announcement of supermodel-entrepreneur Karlie Kloss and investor Joshua Kushner’s plan to revive Life magazine has sparked curiosity about the direction the iconic publication will take. With Kloss’s strong presence in coding initiatives and a substantial social media following, alongside Kushner’s entrepreneurial background, the duo aims to breathe new life into Life magazine through various platforms under their holding company Bedford Media. This revival, in collaboration with Dotdash Meredith, will encompass print, digital, and video formats while preserving the rich archives dating back to the 1930s.
Life magazine, known for its impactful photojournalism and cultural significance from the 1930s to the 1970s, holds a unique position in the media landscape. The publication’s historical influence in shaping public discourse, lifestyle trends, and cultural narratives through captivating photography is undeniable. With renowned photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Margaret Bourke-White contributing to its legacy, Life set the standard for visual storytelling and journalistic excellence.
The upcoming relaunch of Life magazine presents an opportunity to provide a fresh perspective in today’s media environment. Karlie Kloss envisions a platform that offers a unifying voice amidst the chaos of modern media. However, questions linger about how Kloss’s diverse engagements and Kushner’s business ventures will intersect with the magazine’s content.
Experts in photography and media, including Elisabeth Sherman and Fred Ritchin, reflect on Life magazine’s historical significance and its potential impact in the digital age. They emphasize the magazine’s role in shaping narratives, fostering global awareness, and addressing societal issues through compelling visual storytelling. As the media landscape evolves, the challenge for the new Life magazine lies in maintaining editorial integrity and relevance while adapting to contemporary audiences’ preferences.
The revival of Life magazine holds promise as a beacon of authenticity and depth in a media landscape saturated with fleeting content. With a renewed focus on balanced reporting, critical analysis, and impactful photography, the magazine aims to offer readers a thoughtful alternative to the fast-paced digital news cycle. As the world eagerly anticipates the reimagined Life magazine, the legacy of this iconic publication stands poised for a contemporary resurgence.
Yvonne Presser wearing Norman Norell on a Life magazine cover. Courtesy of Life Magazine
“At the Time of the Louisville Flood, 1937,” by Margaret Bourke-White (American, 1904–1971). Photograph, gelatin silver print. Photo by Margaret Bourke-White. © LIFE Picture Collection/Courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston