"I was only about 17" Kate Moss Covers The May Issue Of British Vogue

I am so delighted to mark a special moment in publishing by paying tribute to an extraordinary woman who has not only helped define this magazine over the past 26 years, but British style around the world. May’s three Kate Moss covers mark the 40th month that the model, cultural icon and shimmering national treasure has fronted British Vogue. I almost can’t believe I’m writing that number down. Forty.

When you think about it, the sums are really something. In total, Kate has spent more than three years of her life on the cover of this magazine. In 2000 alone, she fronted February, May, September and December. She’s been captured in all guises, starting with her first appearance in March 1993, photographed by the late Corinne Day, heralding the arrival of the new waif – who went on to reign over that decade.

There followed many more versions of Kate, all interpreted through the eyes of her friends and collaborators: glossy beauty for Nick Knight, lo-fi magic for Juergen Teller, unattainable fashion goddess for Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, or simply the cool girl everyone wanted to be for Craig McDean.

People often talk about the idea of “mystery” with Kate, but, personally, I believe that in many ways her appeal is straightforward. It hits you right between the eyes every time you look at her, and certainly when you’re with her. We first met at a casting for a Pepe Jeans advertisement in the late 1980s. I was only about 17, so she must have been about 15. We got on straightaway. I just remember thinking she was amazing. The energy! And so beautiful – everyone there was looking at her, practically staring her down, they were so transfixed. The campaign was shooting in LA (back then, jobs like that were very rare), and, of course, Kate booked it. I, alas, did not. But she and I became friends, and it’s a friendship that lasts to this day.

Everybody loves Kate. Many people have grown up with her, and so a big part of her allure is that they feel they know her. She has an air of accessibility, like your next door neighbour – but the super-intriguing one who you know is having the best time ever, even if you’re not exactly sure what she’s up to. Women really liked Kate from the minute she started, because she is genuinely cool. It comes from within, and she’s always herself.

She also has the best taste. From the beginning, she learned and absorbed everything she could from the world’s great designers. They were all attracted to her because of her personality, her beauty and the way she wore the clothes – my God, she made them her own.  

Put simply, Kate is one of the most stylish women ever to come out of Britain. She lives for fashion and it lives through her. She gets a feel for the clothes, puts on the right music and transforms into character after character. She is adventurous, funny, naughty, caring and very loyal. Kate, the cover star. I look forward to her 41st.