The recent popularity of the television series “The Gilded Age” has reignited public fascination with the Vanderbilt lineage, a prominent family whose vast railroad fortune, societal power, opulent galas, and occasional scandals consistently captured American attention since the late 19th century. Their storied lives, particularly their fashion and social endeavors, frequently graced the pages of Vogue, which began as a dedicated fashion and society publication in 1893.
\nVogue’s documentation of the Vanderbilts began with illustrations of Consuelo Vanderbilt's wedding to the Duke of Marlborough in 1895. As photography gained prominence, the family posed for formal portraits with leading photographers of the early 20th century. Notably, Edward Steichen immortalized Consuelo Vanderbilt, niece and namesake of the Duchess, on her wedding day to E.T. Smith in the 1920s. Decades later, Cecil Beaton captured Grace Vanderbilt within her Fifth Avenue residence. As the final Vanderbilt figure to unofficially reign over New York society—following in the footsteps of Alva and Alice Vanderbilt—Grace’s legendary parties were celebrated for their illustrious guest lists, which included European royalty, and their extraordinary cost. She famously quipped, “I feel deeply for poor dear Marie Antoinette, for if The Revolution came to America I should be the first to go.” By the 1940s, Grace and her husband, Cornelius “Neily” Vanderbilt III, sold their grand mansion, a site of many of their lavish events, to the Astor family. Moving into the 1960s and ’70s, Horst P. Horst found a compelling muse in Gloria Vanderbilt, an heiress who transitioned into modeling. Even today, her son, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, has been featured in Vogue, photographed by Norman Jean Roy.
\nThe Vanderbilt family's enduring influence, as captured through the lens of Vogue across multiple generations, offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of American aristocracy, fashion, and societal norms. Their history is not merely a chronicle of wealth but a testament to how families navigate public life, adapt to changing times, and leave a lasting imprint on cultural consciousness. Their story serves as a vibrant reminder that legacy is built not only on material possessions but also on contributions to the cultural tapestry and an ongoing commitment to societal engagement.