Life Magazine Returns to Print After Two-Decade Hiatus

Life magazine, the historic American publication founded in 1936, is returning to print after a twenty-year hiatus. The relaunch is spearheaded by model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss, who acquired the brand.

A New Chapter for the Iconic Publication

Kloss, who is married to Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, announced plans to revive the magazine as a print publication. The move marks a return for the title, which ceased regular weekly publication in 2000 and shifted to occasional special editions before ending print operations entirely in 2007. The magazine was originally established by Henry Luce and became famous for its photojournalism and coverage of major global events throughout the 20th century.

The Strategy Behind the Relaunch

Under the new management, the magazine aims to re-establish its presence in the media landscape. While specific details regarding the publication frequency and editorial focus have not been fully disclosed, the move follows a trend of legacy media brands attempting to regain relevance through print revivals. Kloss’s involvement brings significant capital and media attention to the project, which seeks to leverage the brand’s archives and historical reputation.

Why it matters: This development highlights the enduring market value of legacy media brands in an era dominated by digital content. For international readers, the return of a publication once synonymous with American photojournalism offers a new platform for global visual storytelling, potentially impacting how historical and current events are documented and presented to a wide audience.