Born in 1917, Irving Penn studied painting, drawing, and graphic design at the University of Arts in Philadelphia.  In 1938, he became a freelance designer and illustrator in New York.  In 1943, he started working as the assistant to an art director at Vogue magazine. In October 1943, Penn’s first photograph, showing various accessories like a glove and bag, was used on the cover of Vogue.  Throughout his career at vogue, he remained true to his style despite various changes in fashion.  Irving Penn captured his subjects clearly and vividly in his photographs.  He remains a favorite among art collectors and museums.

First Vogue cover photo: