Last night I decided to check out the Vanity Fair Portraits exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. The rain hadn’t stopped the entire day, so I figured I would go to the ROM and trade my feelings of sogginess for something more glamourous. Vanity Fair, of course, is known for its classic celebrity portraits and smart social commentary, and the magazine, since its beginnings in 1913, has been a vehicle for everything beautiful and sophisticated. The exhibition, curated by Terence Pepper, of London’s National Portrait Gallery, and David Friend, from Vanity Fair, is extensive and features work from the magazine’s vintage beginnings, to 2008 (the 25th anniversary of the modern Vanity Fair and the 95th anniversary of its founding in 1913). Famous faces include everyone from Liza Minnelli and Jean Harlow, to George Clooney and Madonna. And the iconic photographers whose work is on display include such legendary names like Beaton, Herb Ritts and Mario Testino.

I couldn’t help but get lost in the starry eyes of dancer Fred Astaire and actress Greta Garbo. But my favorite photograph was of Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Joan Crawford; a black and white image of the romantic couple lounging on the beach. It was a little like walking through a time capsule of Hollywood in the 1920s. The exhibit also features some wonderful photographs of Vanity Fair’s modern portrayal of beauty, especially work from the exceptional Annie Leibovitz (who shot the memorable, star-studded fold-out cover above). All said, it’s a great chance to gaze longingly into Vanity Fair’s faces of glamour, both past and present.

The ROM’s website, www.rom.on.ca, has more information about the exhibition, as well as hours of operation. The last hour of each day is free and Friday evenings are half price. The exhibit is running until January 2010, so there is plenty of time to go!

- Kara Hornland

(all images above © Condé Nast Publications Inc./Courtesy Condé Nast Archive)