Graydon Carter

Graydon Carter, former editor-in-chief of *Vanity Fair*, reflects on his career and the decline of the magazine industry during the digital transition. He recounts the evolution of *Vanity Fair* from its relaunch to its cultural peak, emphasizing the importance of editorial curation, high-level journalism, and the strategic use of celebrity covers to maintain global appeal. Beyond his professional achievements, Carter discusses the creation of the iconic Vanity Fair Oscar party, which he designed to foster a democratic, high-stakes social environment. He also shares personal insights into his work-life balance, specifically his commitment to family dinners as a method for teaching social interaction and maintaining stability amidst the pressures of the media world. His memoir, *When the Going Was Good*, serves as a retrospective on this final golden age of print media.