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Paige Rense, editor emerita of Architectural Digest, who memorably reigned at the top of the magazine’s masthead for more than three decades, died on January 1 at age 91. The cause of death was related to a heart issue, the New York Times reported. Rense was an instrumental force in growing—and ultimately transforming—AD as numerous individuals came to know it. And while she served as editor in chief for 35 years—from 1975 to 2010, specifically—Rense’s signature stamp can be traced still further back.
During the early 1970s, Rense was named executive editor in the wake of editor in chief Bradley Little’s murder. At the time, Architectural Digest was something of a specialty publication, with its roots as a Southern California regional magazine still clearly evident. Quickly, however, Rense imbued its pages with star wattage on all possible fronts. Perhaps most obvious to readers was her focus on celebrity homes—a somewhat natural emphasis given the magazine’s then Wilshire Boulevard address. More importantly, it demonstrated a keen foresight as to the coming acceleration of celebrity culture.
By 1977, there had been enough “Celebrity Homes” published in the Architectural Digest to warrant the publication of a book by the same title. While countless features focused on the Hollywood legends and pop idols whom readers certainly appreciated, the depth of Rense’s broader interest in what constituted a notable home served both her and the magazine well. Yes, residences of the likes of Candice Bergen, Kirk Douglas, and Barbra Streisand were featured over the years. But the same can also be said of fashion industry luminaries, art world visionaries, and other such individuals at the apexes of their own professions. From Valentino’s Italian abodes to the studios of legendary artists such as Frank Stella, the features Rense made possible make the archive of Architectural Digest an invaluable resource to this day.
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Rense did not, however, ignore the ample talent within the interior design and architectural fields. Far from it. She regularly updated the annual AD100 list—which continues to be a key benchmark of success for designers today—and championed the work of countless such individuals.
Speaking to AD PRO, AD100 architect Lee Mindel reflected: “The world of art, architecture, landscape, and design has lost one of its founding members with the passing of legendary Paige Rense.… She solely and from the ground up created a portal that would document a wide variety of aspirational design that reflected the social and political climate through the lenses of the greatest photographers and with the words of esteemed writers.… She was a true loyalist and great friend who will be sorely missed, but her legacy will live on as her creation AD is now stronger that ever.”
Despite Rense’s deft ability to marshal acclaimed talent—from commissioning Pulitzer Prize–winning writers to collaborating with photographers such as Derry Moore—she herself came from humble origins. A high school dropout who fled her adoptive parents, Rense’s vision and hard work ethic sustained her well. Those qualities were evident too in the myriad of other causes and projects she diligently undertook. From spearheading special issues and launching new editions to overseeing award show greenrooms and hosting design symposiums and reoccurring forums, her far-reaching efforts will not soon be forgotten.
Just two years ago, Rense published a book on the history of Architectural Digest, which stretches back to the magazine’s 1920 founding. The Rizzoli tome, which covers her own tenure both before and after Condé Nast’s acquirement, is a testament to her immense knowledge. Rense is survived by her seven stepchildren, including the two sons and two daughters of her final husband, the artist Kenneth Noland.
