First published in 1920, Vogue Paris experienced a remarkable era under the direction of Edmonde Charles-Roux in the 1950s and 1960s. Charles-Roux championed the concept of haute couture, bringing it to the forefront of the magazine. She recognized its historical significance and its importance as a symbol of French luxury and craftsmanship. During her leadership from 1954 to 1966, Vogue Paris became a platform for showcasing the creations of designers such as Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, and Yves Saint Laurent, capturing the essence of post-war French elegance and sophistication. Charles-Roux's legacy extends beyond her time as editor-in-chief. She went on to have a distinguished career as a writer, including penning a biography of fashion designer Coco Chanel.

Under the tenure of editor-in-chief Francine Crescent (1968-1986), Vogue Paris embraced a bold and provocative aesthetic, a distinctive visual style that combined high fashion with a sense of eroticism and subversion.

Photographers such as Helmut Newton and Guy Bourdin played pivotal roles in shaping the magazine's seductive avant-garde aesthetic during this time. Helmut Newton's signature blend of glamour and provocative imagery gave Vogue Paris a confrontational character. His exceptional fashion editorials, featuring strong, confident women and provocative narratives, broke the boundaries of conventional fashion photography. Similarly, Guy Bourdin's work added a surreal and cinematic quality to Vogue Paris. His use of vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, and unconventional storytelling challenged traditional notions of beauty and fashion. Bourdin's images often had a subversive undertone, exploring themes of power, desire, and ambiguity.

Under the direction of Francine Crescent, Vogue Paris produced several collectible December issues that have become highly sought-after by fashion enthusiasts and collectors. These special December editions were each guest-edited by an iconic artist such as Françoise Sagan, Salvador Dalí, Marlene Dietrich or David Hockney, offering unique content through the eyes of the artist that made them stand out from regular issues.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Vogue Paris, under Crescent's leadership, also took a unique approach to its cover aesthetics. While other international editions opted for a more commercial style characterized by fresh-faced models and catchy slogans in popping neon colors, the French edition published highly seductive and glamorous looks in moody hues on high gloss paper. This choice set Vogue Paris apart from the more standard approach of other editions and further strengthened its continued commitment to Parisian elegance and haute couture.