20 Fashion Magazine Covers That Shocked The World In The ’60s

Let me take you on a groovy ride back to the swinging ’60s—a decade that didn’t just walk the runway, it danced down it in go-go boots and psychedelic prints!

This was an era bursting with color, rebellion, and boundary-pushing fashion that leapt off the glossy pages of every newsstand. The magazine covers? Oh honey, they didn’t whisper—they shouted. From Twiggy’s wide-eyed stare that made Mod the mood, to the Beatles casually reshaping pop culture with every mop-top grin, these covers weren’t just moments—they were movements.

Fashion became a megaphone for self-expression, rule-breaking, and sometimes, delightful scandal. Each cover told a story that blurred the lines between art, culture, and attitude.

So whether you’re a style junkie or just love a good throwback, get ready to flip through some seriously iconic pages. These covers didn’t just reflect the times—they defined them, with flair, fearlessness, and a whole lot of fabulous.

1. Donyale Luna on British Vogue (March 1966)

Let’s hear it for the trailblazer, Donyale Luna! March 1966 saw her as the first Black woman to grace the cover of a major fashion magazine, and what a cover it was! Luna’s striking features were framed by the elegance and poise that only she could pull off. Talk about breaking the mold!

The cover wasn’t just beautiful; it was bold. It was a statement that screamed, “Fashion has no boundaries!” Her elegance and charm captured a powerful moment in history, reminding us that beauty comes in every shade.

It’s hard to overstate the impact of Luna’s appearance. She paved the way for future generations, showing that true beauty is fearless. Her cover remains a monumental piece of fashion history, a testament to change, progress, and unapologetic grace. Luna, you were a star, and the world knew it.

2. Jean Shrimpton in a Mini at the Melbourne Cup (1965)

Jean Shrimpton, the original influencer, rocked the Melbourne Cup in 1965 with a dress so short it could cause a breeze! Her mini dress was the talk of the town – and perhaps the nation. Forget about the horses; all eyes were on Jean and her scandalously short hemline.

Shrimpton’s appearance was not a traditional magazine cover, but it was plastered everywhere, sparking debates, discussions, and a newfound appreciation for daring fashion. The mini dress became a symbol of rebellion and youthful exuberance, practically inventing the concept of “wardrobe controversy.”

Looking back, it’s clear that Jean knew exactly what she was doing, and she did it fabulously. She wasn’t just wearing a dress; she was making a statement, and it was loud and clear. Fashion would never be the same, and we have Jean to thank for that delightful disruption.

3. Harper’s Bazaar’s “Space Age” Cover (1965)

Blast off to the future with Harper’s Bazaar’s “Space Age” cover in 1965! Andre Courrèges took fashion to new heights with his moon-boot couture, and this cover was all about that interstellar flair. Who knew that fashion could be so out of this world?

The cover was a bold testament to the era’s fascination with space exploration. The model, clad in metallics and futuristic silhouettes, looked like she’d just stepped off a spaceship, ready to conquer the fashion universe.

People weren’t quite ready for this cosmic couture, but it landed anyway, leaving an indelible mark on fashion history. It was a moment when imagination soared, and clothes became more than just garments; they were dreams woven into fabric. Harper’s Bazaar gave us a glimpse of the future, and it was dazzling!

4. The Beatles on Life Magazine (1964)

Meet the fab four who took America by storm: The Beatles on the cover of Life Magazine in 1964. With their mop-top hairstyles and cheeky grins, they were the fashion crossover nobody saw coming. Who knew that four lads from Liverpool could turn the world upside down?

This cover wasn’t just about music; it was a cultural phenomenon. It captured the essence of the British invasion, where style and sound collided in the most delightful way. Those suits weren’t just well-tailored; they were revolutionary!

The Beatles’ appearance on Life Magazine was a defining moment. It wasn’t just a cover; it was an invitation to embrace a new era of music, fashion, and youthful exuberance. Talk about a magical mystery tour! The impact was global, and it still resonates today, just like their timeless tunes.

5. Edie Sedgwick for Viva (1969)

Step aside for the queen of cool, Edie Sedgwick, who graced the cover of Viva in 1969. With smeared eyeliner and nothing but attitude, Edie was the downtown revolution that shook up the fashion world. She wasn’t just a model; she was a movement!

Her appearance on Viva was all about raw energy and unapologetic style. Those chandelier earrings? Pure drama! Edie embodied the counterculture spirit with every fierce gaze. Talk about making a statement without saying a word.

This cover was more than just a pretty picture; it was a declaration of independence. Edie Sedgwick was the muse we didn’t know we needed. She didn’t follow trends; she created them. The world was her stage, and she performed with unmatched flair. Edie, you were a star, and your light still shines bright.

6. Elle’s Psychedelic Cover (1968)

Get ready to trip down memory lane with Elle’s psychedelic cover from 1968! Wild, swirling colors and kaleidoscope eyes made this cover a visual feast. It wasn’t your grandma’s fashion mag; it was a psychedelic dream come true!

The cover captured the spirit of the ’60s in all its technicolor glory. It was an explosion of creativity, breaking away from the conventional and embracing the extraordinary. Those swirling patterns had us seeing fashion in a whole new light.

Elle’s cover was more than just eye-catching; it was mind-bending. It celebrated the free-spirited nature of the era, inviting readers to dive into a world where imagination knew no bounds. This was fashion with a twist, and it was absolutely groovy!

7. Barbra Streisand on Vogue (1966)

Enter the stage, Barbra Streisand, who broke the mold with her 1966 Vogue cover! With her dramatic profile and fierce Jewish beauty, Babs was the unconventional cover girl we didn’t know we needed. Who said you had to fit in to stand out?

Her cover wasn’t just a fashion statement; it was a cultural moment. Streisand showed that true beauty is about owning who you are, curves and all. She was unapologetically herself, and the world couldn’t get enough.

This was more than just a photo; it was a celebration of individuality. Barbra’s presence on Vogue was a reminder that authenticity never goes out of style. She didn’t just grace the cover; she redefined what it meant to be a cover girl. Bravo, Babs!

8. Veruschka Covered in Paint – Vogue (1966)

Behold Veruschka, the living canvas, who took Vogue by storm in 1966 with a cover that was literally painted to perfection. Body paint met high fashion in a totally trippy way, and Veruschka was at the heart of it all.

This cover was more than just a visual treat; it was a work of art. Veruschka’s poise and elegance brought the paint to life, blurring the lines between fashion and fine art. Who needed a brush when you had Veruschka?

The impact was profound, as this cover challenged the boundaries of traditional beauty. It wasn’t just about clothes; it was about expression. Veruschka showed us that fashion could be anything you wanted it to be, even a masterpiece. Truly, a stroke of genius!

9. Brigitte Bardot for Paris Match (1962)

Hold onto your berets, because Brigitte Bardot’s 1962 Paris Match cover was as scandalous as it was iconic! With tousled hair and pouty lips, Bardot captured the essence of French allure in a barely-there top.

This cover wasn’t just eye-catching; it was jaw-dropping. Bardot was the epitome of effortless charm, and her presence was enough to make headlines. The world couldn’t get enough of her free-spirited nature and undeniable magnetism.

Brigitte’s cover was more than just a photograph; it was a sensation. It challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable. Bardot didn’t just pose; she provoked, and fashion was all the better for it. Ooh la la, what a moment!

10. Harper’s Bazaar with Richard Avedon’s Afghan Hound (1967)

Move over, models! In 1967, Harper’s Bazaar featured the most glamorous duo: a glamazon and an Afghan Hound, captured by the legendary Richard Avedon. Was it fashion or fever dream? We may never know!

This cover was pure visual poetry, blending elegance with a hint of whimsy. The Afghan Hound, with its silky fur, stole the show alongside the stunning model. Together, they created a moment that was both surreal and sophisticated.

Avedon’s artistic eye turned this cover into a masterpiece, challenging the conventions of traditional fashion photography. It wasn’t just a cover; it was an imaginative journey, inviting readers to see fashion through a new lens. What a fetching pair they made!

11. Twiggy on Vogue (1967)

Oh, Twiggy, the face that launched a thousand hairstyles! When she graced the cover of Vogue in 1967, the world stood still. Her doe eyes and signature pixie cut were a breath of fresh air in a world of big hair and even bigger dresses.

Twiggy’s look screamed modernity, and for a moment, it felt like the future had arrived in full swing. With a background of bold colors and minimalist design, the cover was the epitome of the mod movement.

It wasn’t just about clothes; it was a cultural phenomenon that captured the youth’s desire for change. Twiggy’s cover told the world that it was time to embrace the new. Who would’ve thought that something as simple as a haircut could make such waves? Well, Twiggy did, and she did it with style!

12. Vogue Italia’s “Future is Female” Spread (1969)

Step into the future with Vogue Italia’s 1969 “Future is Female” spread. It was all about flared suits, bossy boots, and unapologetic poses.

Women weren’t just arm candy anymore; they were the main event! This spread was a celebration of power and confidence, showing the world that women were here to stay and slay. It was a sartorial revolution, breaking away from the past and striding forward with purpose.

Italia captured the essence of empowerment, weaving it into every stitch and seam. It wasn’t just fashion; it was a fierce declaration of independence. The future was female, and it was fabulous!

13. Penelope Tree on Vogue (1967)

Meet Penelope Tree, whose hauntingly alien features graced the cover of Vogue in 1967. With her swingy dresses and striking look, she was like a visitor from the future. Talk about out-of-this-world beauty!

Penelope’s cover was a visual adventure, capturing the imagination of fashion lovers everywhere. Her unique appearance challenged traditional beauty norms, inviting us to see beauty in a whole new way.

This cover wasn’t just about fashion; it was about vision. Penelope Tree was the face of a new era, and her presence on Vogue was a moment of pure innovation. Her look was bold, her style was daring, and her impact was unforgettable. Bravo, Penelope!

14. Jackie Kennedy in Pink Chanel on Look Magazine (1963)

The timeless elegance of Jackie Kennedy graced Look Magazine in 1963 with her iconic pink Chanel suit. A symbol of both style and tragedy, this cover became frozen in American memory.

Jackie’s presence was more than just fashion; it was a moment of grace under pressure. Her poised demeanor and chic outfit captured a nation’s admiration, becoming a symbol of hope and resilience. This cover transcended fashion, becoming a poignant reminder of an era.

Jackie Kennedy’s style was understated yet powerful, and her influence continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts around the world. From the White House to the fashion house, Jackie was a true icon.

15. Jane Fonda in Mod Gear on Mademoiselle (1968)

Before she became an activist icon, Jane Fonda was a fashion sensation, gracing the cover of Mademoiselle in 1968 in full mod gear. Go-go boots? Check. Mini dress? Double check! She was a vision of forward-thinking fashion.

Jane’s cover was a celebration of the mod movement, capturing the youthful energy that defined the era. Her style was playful yet purposeful, a perfect blend of fun and sophistication.

This cover wasn’t just another fashion statement; it was a dynamic expression of individuality. Jane Fonda embraced the ’60s spirit with style and grace, leaving a lasting impression that still resonates today. Truly a trailblazer in every sense of the word!

16. The Youthquake Issue – Vogue (1965)

Shake, rattle, and roll with Vogue’s “Youthquake” issue of 1965! Documenting the rise of the teen as a fashion force, it was a quake felt around the world. Grown-ups were shook, and the youth were empowered!

This cover captured the vibrant energy and dynamic spirit of the times. It was all about youthful rebellion, breaking away from tradition, and embracing individuality with open arms.

The Youthquake issue wasn’t just a magazine; it was a movement. Vogue tapped into the pulse of a generation, giving voice to the young and stylish. It was a fashion revolution, and it looked fabulous!

17. Marianne Faithfull on Queen Magazine (1969)

Rock ‘n’ roll poetry in motion, that’s Marianne Faithfull on the cover of Queen Magazine in 1969. Part ingénue, part trouble, she was gritty glam at its finest. With a voice that could melt hearts and a look that could stop traffic, Marianne was pure magic.

Her cover was a celebration of authenticity, capturing the essence of rock ‘n’ roll spirit. She wasn’t just posing; she was living her truth, and it was electrifying.

Marianne Faithfull’s presence was a reminder that beauty and rebellion go hand in hand. Her cover was an anthem for the bold and the brave, a testament to the power of individuality. What a moment, what a muse!

18. Andy Warhol Girls on Interview (1969 debut)

Late to the party but worth every moment, Andy Warhol’s girls graced the debut cover of Interview in 1969. When art and fashion finally made it official, it was a match made in creative heaven.

This cover was a kaleidoscope of color and chaos, reflecting Warhol’s unique artistic vision. His muses were styled in eclectic fashion, boldly blurring the lines between art and style.

Warhol’s debut cover was more than just a magazine; it was an artistic manifesto. It captured the essence of a movement where creativity knew no bounds. From canvas to cover, Warhol’s influence was felt, and it was absolutely iconic!

19. Black Panthers Fashion Spread – Ramparts Magazine (1968)

Militant chic took center stage in 1968 with Ramparts Magazine’s Black Panthers fashion spread. Berets and leather jackets? They hit differently when making a political statement.

This cover was more than fashion; it was a call to action, a visual representation of strength and unity. The Black Panthers weren’t just about politics; they were about pride and identity, and their style was a reflection of that.

Ramparts Magazine captured a pivotal moment in history, where fashion and activism intertwined. It was a bold declaration of purpose, and it still resonates today. The Black Panthers made their mark, and they did it with unparalleled style.

20. UFO Fashion Shoot in Nova Magazine (1969)

What even is gravity? That’s a question Nova Magazine pondered with its 1969 UFO fashion shoot. Models in metallic outfits and fishbowl helmets were ready to defy the laws of fashion physics.

This cover was a testament to the limitless imagination of the time. It wasn’t just a photoshoot; it was a cosmic adventure, inviting readers to explore the uncharted territories of style.

Nova Magazine’s UFO fashion shoot was far from ordinary. It was a bold leap into the future, where fashion knew no boundaries. This wasn’t just a cover; it was a journey to the stars, and it was absolutely stellar!