A little nostalgia never hurt anyone.
Completing one issue is no easy feat–now imagine doing it fifty times over the last twenty years. Throughout these past decades, VMAN has always been on the pulse of the ever-changing landscape of manhood. With the evolution of fashion, music, cinema, art, and culture in recent times, we have bore witness to many great men who have dominated their respective industries, becoming champions in their own right. But as the notions of masculinity grew, so did VMAN. Our fiftieth issue couldn’t be complete without a look back at some of the pivotal moments in our history that helped capture the evolution of men’s fashion in the world of pop culture and the many men who have graced our pages. Every cover, every feature, every look–we have always kept you, our long-standing audience, in mind–and for that we thank you.
Below, discover a medley of some of our brightest and boldest moments from the last twenty years!
HOLLYWOOD’S LEADING MEN
Austin Butler for VMAN 49 (Photographed by Collier Schorr)
The actors that succeed the most are the ones that have the ability to totally abandon themselves for a role, similar to Austin’s incredible performance in Elvis. With the help of Baz Luhrmann, he gave himself into that world entirely, and we were nothing but thrilled to capture this supernova of a being.
Alexander Skargård for VMAN 18 (Photographed by Inez & Vinoodh)
This was the first of many tuxedo covers–it really was so chic. It paved the way for what VMAN does now—a refined, sophisticated image of a cool guy in today’s world.
Ashton Kutcher for VMAN 10 (Photographed by Mario Testino)
A cover shoot so conceptual that it would be only be fitting that one of pop culture’s ultimate heartthrobs should play the role of a dapper cyborg. It was Mario Testino’s idea to make Ashton a “bionic man”, and at the height of his career, it could not have been better.
Orlando Bloom for VMAN 8 (Photographed by David Sims)
I guess one could say Orlando Bloom was the first of many shock-worthy cover stories within our publication’s history. I mean, who else could put one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors on a cover while smoking some weed?
Jake Gyllenhaal for VMAN 30 (Photographed by Hedi Slimane)
Jake is the ultimate Hollywood staple, so putting him together with the underground vibe of Hedi Slimane for his cover was our goal. He is very classic, and the images turned him from a mainstream actor to a certified Rock and Roller.
Timothée Chalamet for VMAN 39 (Photographed by Collier Schorr)
Aside from the excitingly favorable response to Timothée’s cover, it certainly marked the beginning of a new era for VMAN. He proved that you don’t have to be a “hunk” to be a hero. The cover put VMAN on a new radar for many and ushered in a younger generation of readers.
Adam Driver for VMAN 33 (Photographed by Inez & Vinoodh)
Adam was gearing toward the end of his Girls era, and finally coming into his own as an actor—starring as Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
From this shoot with Inez and Vinoodh, Adam’s overall image really solidified into one of a bona fide movie star.
Ryan Gosling for VMAN 5 (Photographed by Inez & Vinoodh)
Coming off of the mega success of The Notebook film and into his latest project at the time, Ryan, seen here photographed by Inez & Vinoodh, really helped the notion of VMAN becoming a platform for Hollywood’s newest leading men to shine like never before.
MOST WANTED MODELS
Parker Van Noord for VMAN 44 (Photographed by Inez & Vinoodh)
Redefining masculinity for a new age, Parker’s entry into the industry has highlighted his own creative soul, along with showing a softer side in what he does aside from modeling.
MUSICAL MUSES
Shawn Mendes for VMAN 45 (Photographed by Ben Hassett)
There’s something magical about Shawn, whether it be his voice, his boy-next-door looks, or his sense of self in today’s world. Having someone
as legendary as Sir Elton John interview him for his cover story was the perfect documentation of generations colliding in the most beautiful way.
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