Karlie Kloss Expands Media Empire with Acquisition of i-D Magazine from Vice Media
Model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss has made a significant expansion in her media holdings by acquiring i-D Magazine, a renowned street fashion publication. Kloss, who previously led an investment group to purchase W Magazine in 2020, has now taken over i-D through her new company, Bedford Media, where she serves as chairwoman. While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, this acquisition marks a significant move in the fashion and media landscape.
i-D, established in 1980 by former British Vogue art director Terry Jones, is celebrated for its influential role in street fashion and culture. The magazine has been a launching pad for notable photographers like Mario Testino, Terry Richardson, and Juergen Teller. Jones, who departed the magazine following its acquisition by Vice Media in 2012, had cultivated i-D into a pivotal voice in fashion.
Vice Media, which recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and was subsequently bought out by its creditors led by Fortress Investment Group for $350 million, initially acquired i-D in 2012.
Alastair McKimm, i-D’s editor since 2019, is set to take on an expanded role as chief creative officer and global editor-in-chief under the new ownership.
Karlie Kloss, renowned for her modeling career and philanthropic efforts, including founding Kode with Klossy, a non-profit organization offering free coding camps for girls, has been diversifying her business and investment portfolio. Her ventures span collaborations with leading brands and investments in various tech startups, reflecting her keen interest in the intersection of fashion, technology, and media.
Kloss’s acquisition of i-D signifies not only a strategic business move but also a continued commitment to shaping the landscape of fashion media. Her wide network in the business, fashion, and entertainment industries positions her uniquely to steer i-D Magazine towards new horizons in the dynamic world of fashion and culture.