Graydon Carter: A Journey Through the Golden Age of Magazines

Graydon Carter, the esteemed former editor of *Vanity Fair*, is renowned for his contributions to the magazine industry over a remarkable 25-year tenure. A father of five, Carter is often recognized by his distinctive white hair and sophisticated style, with a penchant for carrying Hermès handkerchiefs—he owns an impressive 30 of them, which he describes as “my greatest luxury.”

Early Life and Canadian Roots

Born into a middle-class family in Ottawa, Canada, Carter attributes his success to a mix of Canadian friendliness and resilience. He reflects, “Canadians are not weak…you develop a spine” from experiences like playing hockey in subzero temperatures.

A Leap into Journalism

Carter’s journey into the world of journalism began when he moved to New York in 1978, passionate about magazines despite having left college without graduating. His initial experience was marked by a memorable interview where he struggled with the summer heat while wearing a heavy tweed coat. Fortunately, this interview led to his inaugural job in the vibrant arena of magazine publishing.

The Golden Era of Magazines

In his memoir, *When the Going Was Good: An Editor’s Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines*, Carter reflects on the extraordinary timing of his career. The landscape of New York in the 1980s was changing, especially with the rise of investment bankers who flaunted their newfound wealth. This environment gave rise to Carter’s co-founding of the critically acclaimed *Spy* magazine, known for its sharp satire and bold commentary on notable figures, including Donald Trump.

“At Spy, we came up with funny epithets for people, and in Trump’s case we called him a ‘short-fingered vulgarian’ every time we mentioned his name. And he hated that!”

A Visionary at Vanity Fair

In 1992, Carter was appointed editor of *Vanity Fair*, a role that allowed him to further establish himself as a cultural tastemaker. Under his leadership, the magazine became synonymous with high-profile interviews and exclusive features, including the return of Monica Lewinsky and the introduction of Caitlyn Jenner.

Master of Curation

Carter is known for his ability to curate memorable events, particularly the star-studded *Vanity Fair* Oscar party. He asserts that the key to a successful gathering lies in treating all guests equally and carefully selecting attendees to create an engaging atmosphere.

“We had no VIP sections. Once you got in, everybody’s the same. And with a party, it’s about the right curation of people.”

Life After Vanity Fair

After stepping down from *Vanity Fair* in 2017, Carter relocated to the south of France but soon redefined his concept of retirement. He initiated *Air Mail*, an email newsletter that quickly garnered half a million subscribers across 219 countries, offering curated insights, travel tips, and shopping recommendations.

Embracing Mistakes and Revelations

Carter acknowledges that the road to success is paved with challenges. He describes life as “a bone yard of minor mistakes and fumbles,” emphasizing the importance of learning from failures over celebrating achievements.

“I’ve always felt that introductions would be far more interesting if you skipped the highlights … it’s the lowlights where everything happens.”

Conclusion

Graydon Carter’s journey through the world of magazines illustrates the blend of ambition, resilience, and a keen sense of cultural relevance. His memoir offers a deeper look into a career that has shaped media and popular culture, reminding readers that the human experience is often defined not by successes, but by the stories of our missteps and recoveries.

For further insights, read an excerpt from *When the Going Was Good* by Graydon Carter.