The recently-relaunched magazine The Face is iconic! From 20th February at The National Portrait Gallery, London, The Face Magazine: Culture Shift will celebrate the most significant fashion shoots and portraits from the publication. Since its inception, The Face has established itself as a groundbreaking youth culture and style magazine that has left an indelible mark on the creative and cultural landscape in Britain and beyond.

From 1980 to 2004, The Face was instrumental in shaping contemporary culture. The magazine also served as a platform for many influential photographers and fashion stylists, offering them the creative freedom to redefine the visual language of fashion photography and capture the essence of their era. Relaunched in 2019, The Face continues its legacy as a disruptive and innovative magazine, championing emerging talents in photography, fashion, music, and graphic design.

This exhibition will showcase the work of over 80 photographers, including Sheila Rock, Stéphane Sednaoui, Corinne Day, David Sims, Elaine Constantine, and Sølve Sundsbø. Featuring more than 200 photographs, it offers a rare opportunity to experience these iconic images beyond the magazine’s pages for the very first time. It’s one of the most exciting exhibitions of the Winter season and we can’t wait to dive into these incredible archives.

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Image: Kate Moss by Glen Luchford, March 1993 © Glen Luchford. Styling Venetia Scott