The Face Magazine’s Iconic Influence Celebrated in London Exhibition

The National Portrait Gallery showcases the groundbreaking photography and cultural impact of The Face magazine from 1980 to 2004.

The Face Magazine: Culture Shift exhibition opens at the National Portrait Gallery in London, running from February 20 to May 18, 2025.
The exhibition features over 200 photographs by 80 photographers, highlighting the magazine's pivotal role in shaping British youth culture and fashion during its original run from 1980 to 2004.
Key moments include iconic portraits such as Kate Moss by Juergen Teller, David Beckham styled with a gritty edge, and Alexander McQueen channeling Joan of Arc’s rage.
The Face pioneered a shift in fashion photography, emphasizing studio experimentation, bold stylist-photographer collaborations, and the creative use of digital tools like Photoshop in the 1990s.
While the magazine relaunched in 2019, the exhibition focuses on its original era, celebrating its audacious, rebellious spirit and lasting cultural legacy.