English Version | Editor's Letter: The Fame Issue, October 2023

Georgina Rodríguez
Branislav Simoncik

Each era is defined above all by its values and concerns, which can only be understood through history. The 18th century was characterized by conversations about knowledge and freedom. The 19th century was obsessed with progress, and in the 20th century, people were still trying to process the chaos caused by progress. I wouldn't be surprised if future historians look at our century as being shaped by an obsession with fame. The century that began with an explosion of reality shows and where, today, each of us has a film studio/photography laboratory in our pocket.

Georgina Rodríguez
Branislav Simoncik

Regarding the famous fifteen minutes of fame, even Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor, once reflected: “The deeds that once gave us fame are quickly lost, as the attention of others is drawn elsewhere.” It was true in his time, but in ours, fame is certainly even more ephemeral. Nowadays the window of fame is shorter, quickly obscured by the endless and uninterrupted flow of news, dramas on social media, new celebrities. And if one moment someone wants to be the most famous person in the world, the next they desperately want to live away from the spotlight of that fame, because true freedom lives in anonymity. The path to success is not just made of applause and praise, it is also paved by people who judge and hate. The border between the glamorous side and the dark side of fame is very thin. “Don’t expect praise without envy — until you’re dead.”

Paulina Porizkova
Branislav Simoncik

There has always been a cultural notion that worth and self-worth are the result of one's achievements, hence the obsession with what we should do when we grow up, rather than worrying about who we are now and how we would like to make a difference in the world. One may be famous today, but no one knows what tomorrow glorifies. Many were adored by millions of fans at one point. But nowadays no one remembers who they were or what they did. When even the stars of the past don’t leave a legacy in history, what options do common mortals have? All of them. Nothing and no one can stop you from shining if you have your own light. A star is not honored for its size, but for the intensity of its shine, and our legacy, much more than fame, is the way we touch others as human beings.

Maria Borges
Branislav Simoncik

P.S. During the closing of this issue, Vogue celebrated 20 years in Portugal with our Vogue Iconic Party. We brought together all the contributors, partners, friends and some of the readers who are part of this story. Thank you to everyone who was present throughout these 20 years and its celebration. Thank you to José Santana, the mind behind this Vogue City, the Lighthouse family, and everyone who made this iconic event possible.

Cintia Dicker
Ricardo Abrahao

Translated from the original on The Fame Issue, published October 2023. Full credits and stories in the print issue.