We don’t use the “holy grail” expression as much as other vintage surf collectors and curators do, but when it comes to early 1900s lifestyle magazines that feature surfing on the cover, this is the HOLY GRAIL.
The December 15, 1938, issue of VOGUE is special for so many reasons. For one, it was the first non-travel lifestyle publication to feature Hawaiian surfers on the front face. Secondly, the vibrantly-colored cover “boldly” features a Waikiki Beach Boy riding tandem with a visiting (and fair-skinned) woman from the mainland. Their positioning would certainly have raised a few eyebrows in country club circles, and the caucasian-only Outrigger Canoe Club for that matter. Lastly, the Waikiki Beach Boy is Samuel Alapai Kahanamoku, younger brother to Duke Kahanamoku.
Of equal historical significance, is that the cover shot was taken by photographer Toni Frissell. A New York City native, Frissell was an actress who also worked in advertising before transitioning into photography in the early 1930s where she landed her first regular gig with VOGUE. She was one of the first female photographers to achieve significant recognition, namely in the field of fashion and sports photography. Her keen eye and ability to capture action shots in the surf (such as with today’s featured issue) are partly to credit for being hired in 1953 as the first woman on the staff of Sports Illustrated. By the time Frissell’s career concluded she had amassed an impressive catalogue of around 340,000 images.
Finding a complete and good condition issue of December 15, 1938 VOGUE is nearly impossible. There are antiquarian booksellers and dealers who have attempted to sell a salvaged cover – only the cover – of this issue for $100-200. Thanks to the relentless efforts of SMH chief curator @marcus_ocean we are proud to confirm that this complete and very good (VG) issue now a part of the SMH ephemera collection.
SMH Appraisal Value: $500 USD
