Nick London Reports: Cosmo Covers

1929


Helen Gurley Brown (above) became editor in chief in 1965 and remodeled the magazine as New Cosmopolitan. The magazine was renamed back to Cosmopolitan in 1967. (below Samantha Jones 1969)

(A rare Cosmo couple cover)
(Rene Russo)
(Pattie Hansen)
(Gia)
In the early 1970s, Cosmopolitan adopted a cover format (photographed exclusively by Scavullo) consisting of a young female model typically in a low cut dress or bikini. The magazine focused on young women and published articles that openly talked about sexual issues.


In Brown's early years as editor, the magazine received heavy criticism. The magazine ran a near-nude centerfold of actor Burt Reynolds in April 1972. The issue created great controversy, propelling Cosmopolitan to the forefront of American popular culture at the time.

(Kim Alexis)
(Carol Alt)

(Gia)

(Kelly Emberg, Jerry Hall, Linda Evangelista)

The Covers of Cosmo in the late 70s and 80s were always super sexy and strong.