First Ladies of Vogue

By Kelly Matthews

As I moseyed around the Hudson News stand in the airport last week, I kept an eye out for a magazine that could successfully hold my attention for at least 45 minutes of my upcoming flight home. One of the magazines in particular caught my eye. Among the cover photos of actresses and young, up-and-coming models, was a picture of First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover of Vogue.

This got me thinking about the existence of a relationship between first ladies and the prominent fashion publication. A couple minutes of phone research later, I learned that not only does a relationship exist, it is a relationship that dates back almost a hundred years.

From First Lady Lou Henry Hoover’s cover back in 1929 to First Lady Michelle Obama’s cover on this month’s issue, Vogue has placed 13 first ladies on its cover page, making a statement about its support of strong, influential women who have their own fashion sense. Here’s a look at some of the “cover girls” over the years.

The original Vogue First Lady, Lou Henry Hoover, in May 1929.

Of course, it was only a matter of time until the stylish First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy took the most coveted spot in the most prestigious fashion magazine.

As wife of beloved president Ronald Reagan, First Lady Nancy graced the Vogue cover in May 1981.

In 2005, famed photographer Annie Leibovitz captured the refined yet relaxed style of First Lady Laura Bush.

And, last but certainly not least, is this month’s cover featuring First Lady Michelle Obama.