Since its founding in 1972, W has worked with the world’s best photographers and writers, celebrating their most ambitious and creative work. The stories in this book offer a knowing, insider’s peek into the top echelons of the world of style over the past 50 years.

Historic and boundary-breaking stories include “One for the Ages,” by Steven Klein, in which the model Amber Valletta is seen aging over the course of a century; hallucinatory photographs by Tim Walker of Tilda Swinton bringing to life eccentric historical characters; an art project by the artist Richard Prince, in which he both comments on and appropriates celebrity imagery; exclusive shoots of pop culture icons like Dolly Parton; playful series of fabulous faux advertising campaigns shattering the sacrosanct lines between advertising and editorial by Steven Meisel; daring covers that perfectly capture the era of the supermodel including Naomi, Kate, Cindy, Linda, Christy, and Gisele; revealing portraits of the most original and creative personalities that includes fashion designers, film directors, artists, interior designers, and musicians; and 1970s party coverage in the early, halcyon days of W.

This book will appeal to those with a great appreciation for art, fashion, design, interiors, music, and culture.