Karlie Kloss Revives Iconic Life Magazine as Quarterly

Karlie Kloss, through her media company Bedford Media, is breathing new life into the historic Life magazine, relaunching it as a quarterly publication. The debut issue is slated for release on November 23rd with a cover price of $45.

This marks Life's return to regular print publication for the first time since 2007. The inaugural 250-page issue is themed "Where Are We Now?" and will feature contributions from over 120 individuals. The debut issue is sponsored by electric vehicle maker Rivian and software firm Figma, and will not include traditional print advertisements.

Kloss, the wife of venture capitalist Joshua Kushner and sister-in-law to Jared Kushner, acquired the rights to relaunch Life in 2024. However, the extensive historical photography archive remains with People Inc., formerly known as Dotdash Meredith.

"What made Life extraordinary was its ability to make the world feel closer," Kloss told The New York Times in a recent interview. "And our responsibility is to preserve and to protect that legacy." She indicated that her focus is on the business development of Life, entrusting editorial decisions to the magazine's staff.

The revival initiative extends beyond print, with plans to develop documentary films, events, short-form videos, and maintain a robust online presence through a website and social media.

Life magazine first launched in 1936, with its circulation peaking at approximately 8.5 million copies weekly around 1970. The publication faced financial challenges due to increased competition from television and specialized magazines, as well as rising printing and postal costs. Time Inc. ceased its weekly publication in December 1972, citing significant losses. It was reintroduced as a monthly in 1978 but ceased regular publication again in 2000. A subsequent weekly newspaper supplement version ran from 2004 until April 2007.

Kloss has assembled a creative team for the relaunch, including creative director Richard Turley, former New York Times Magazine editor Hugo Lindgren, former Times photo editor Eve Lyons, and former Times pop music editor Caryn Ganz. Kloss, who also has experience with fashion magazines i-D and W, acknowledged that building a profitable media business for Life will require time and sustained effort.