Revisiting Index Magazine - the iconic indie mag of the 1990s that redefined New York's publishing scene

"Index Magazine ran from 1996 to 2005 and made a name for itself as New York's cultural hub, intermingling the voices of directors, photographers, actors, artists and more. The magazine was discontinued after 51 issues, though remains venerated for its extensive catalogue. Most notably; avant-guard musician Björk in conversation with Juergen Teller; anti-war activist Bianca Jagger photographed by Wolfgang Tillmans; and actor Willem Dafoe interviewed by screenwriter Justin Haythe."

"Fast forward two decades, and the magazine returned to the spotlight for a special retrospective at last week's Paris Design Week. The exhibition traced Index Magazine's blend of art, fashion, music, and cinematic media and the cult community it formed from its melting pot of creative minds. Featuring the early works of photographers Juergen Teller, and Hedi Slimane, the exhibition also had a reading room."

""In the mid 90s, the New York art scene was pretty depressing, so I wanted to get out and connect with people in different creative fields," Peter says. In the early days of Index Magazine, its founders knew what they came to do; platform the people who shape culture, regardless of where in culture they sit."

"Index put then 17-year-old Scarlett Johansson on her first cover off the back of her role in Daniel Clowes' cult classic film Ghost World and spoke to her about the mundanity of teenagehood. Index Magazine is filled to the brim with snapshots of stars in their come-up, reading almost like the hero's journey of adventures, lessons learned, and transformations. We've heard the phrase '__ walked so __ can run', but Index Magazine took things further. Its knowingness"

Index Magazine ran from 1996 to 2005 as a New York cultural hub that brought together directors, photographers, actors, artists and other creative voices. The magazine produced 51 issues and developed a venerated catalogue, featuring moments such as Björk with Juergen Teller, Bianca Jagger shot by Wolfgang Tillmans, and Willem Dafoe interviewed by Justin Haythe. A retrospective at Paris Design Week traced the magazine's blend of art, fashion, music and cinematic media, showcased early works by Juergen Teller and Hedi Slimane, and included a reading room. The exhibition highlighted a renewed appetite for tactile print and Index's role in platforming emerging talent like Scarlett Johansson.

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