Visionaire

Book excerpt: Showcasing twenty-five years of iconic art, fashion, and design content from renowned New York–based publication Visionaire. A publishing experiment that began in 1991, Visionaire has taken the shape of everything from a leather-bound portfolio to 12-inch vinyl records to a collection of dolls. With intimate reflections by contributors, a prized collection of nearly 450 images selected from sixty-five issues produced by an astounding cast of artists, photographers, and designers, this book delivers a rich panorama of two decades of media and fashion revolution from the perspective of independent publishing. Original commentary by cofounders Cecilia Dean and James Kaliardos provides unprecedented access to a pivotal New York scene and the creative life behind Visionaire as it shaped the fashion zeitgeist, propelling emerging voices and exceptional content while challenging the limits of print media. This volume is an essential piece of contemporary fashion and media history that traces the shape of things to come. Visionaire contributors include photographers Bruce Weber, Inez & Vinoodh, Mario Sorrenti, Mert and Marcus, Steven Klein, and Steven Meisel; artists Alex Katz, John Baldessari, KAWS, Marina Abramovic, and Yoko Ono; designers Karl Lagerfeld, Rei Kawakubo, and Riccardo Tisci; pop icons Bjork, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, and Miley Cyrus; and many more. Art and fashion connoisseurs and anyone interested in media, design, and culture will find this landmark volume indispensable.