Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 28, 2025 · Entertainment

Could You Survive Vogue's Legendary '90s Quiz? Test Your Fashion IQ!

Vogue is the cream of the crop in the fashion world, and many dream of working at elite publication - but could you have hacked working at Vogue in its prime? Anna Wintour is seen

EXCLUSIVE: The Ultimate Test of Fashion Fandom - Can You Hack It at Vogue's Prime?

Are you a fashionista with a penchant for drama, luxury, and the latest trends? Then you might just have what it takes to land an assistant position at the iconic Vogue magazine during its prime. But don't worry if you're not a size 4 or a stalwart of the New York City social scene - we've got a secret to share with you.

The New York Times has just released an interactive quiz that will put your knowledge of the '90s era of Vogue to the test. And trust us, it's no cakewalk. The quiz, created by none other than Anna Wintour's top editors, is based on a real exam that was given to applicants back in the day.

Luckily for the fashion forward amongst us the New York Times recently released an interactive quiz to determine how you'd fare working the fashion bible. Wintour is seen in 1990

So, what does it take to be a contender for an assistant position at Vogue? Well, according to insiders, you'll need to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the era's hottest celebrities, designers, books, and films. That's right, we're talking about a whopping 178 notable people, places, books, and films that will be thrown at you like a fashionista's version of a pop quiz.

But don't worry if you're not a die-hard Vogue fan - the Times has made it easier for us mere mortals by offering multiple-choice options. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good game of "spot the celebrity" or "name that designer"?

The quiz is divided into eight sections, each focusing on a different area of knowledge. You'll be tested on everything from Seventh Avenue fashion houses (think DKNY) to see-and-be-seen discos popular with the fashion crowd (hello, Studio 54!).

The quiz is based on a real exam that was given to those applying for an assistant position at the publication in the '90s. Wintour and fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld are pictured in 1990

But don't just take our word for it - we spoke to Lily Stav Gildor, a former assistant to Anna Wintour herself. And let's just say she had some choice words about what it takes to work at Vogue.

"I learned that connections are the most important thing," Gildor revealed in an exclusive interview with us. "And I think that's something that would be true for anyone looking to break into the fashion industry."

Gildor, who worked as one of three assistants to Wintour from January 2014 to May 2015, shared some juicy gossip about what it was really like to work at Vogue during its prime. And let's just say it wasn't all champagne and designer clothes.

The original '90s exam consisted of four pages full of 178 notable people, places, books and films - all of which had to be identified on the spot by the applicant. Wintour is seen in 2019

"I learned a lot from Anna," Gildor said. "I learned about business, fashion, media... and in the last year I started my own textile design business - and it's still using the information today."

So, are you ready to put your knowledge of Vogue's golden era to the test? Then take the quiz and see if you have what it takes to be a contender for an assistant position at the magazine. And who knows - maybe one day you'll even get the chance to work alongside Anna Wintour herself.

In the meantime, keep reading for more exclusive insights into the world of Vogue. From behind-the-scenes gossip to insider tips on how to make it big in the fashion industry, we've got you covered.

Questions in the quiz are mainly New York focused, for example, you have to name a 'See-and-to-be seen disco popular with the fashion crowd' (Studio 54)

And don't forget to share your results with us - we can't wait to see how well you do!

Wintour first became editor in chief of Vogue in 1988 and is credited with completely transforming the famed fashion magazine. She's seen in 2023