Who Is Margot Friedländer? Holocaust Survivor Featured On German Vogue Cover

At 102 years old, Margot Friedländer has become one of the oldest individuals to appear on the cover of Vogue, a magazine long regarded as a pinnacle in the fashion industry. This choice reflects Vogue’s commitment to diversifying its features and embracing significant, often surprising, personalities.

Beyond Fashion: A Story of Survival

Friedländer’s appearance on the cover might seem unconventional or even controversial, given her harrowing past as a Holocaust survivor. However, this decision is far from disrespectful. Instead, it highlights her profound role as a witness to history. Friedländer has dedicated her life to sharing her experiences with gentleness, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust while promoting humanity.

In the July/August issue of German Vogue, Friedländer delivers a poignant message: "Don't look at what divides you. Look at what unites you. Be human, be reasonable." This philosophy has been a cornerstone of her numerous public engagements. Friedländer has spoken at schools, the German Bundestag, and Holocaust memorial events, receiving accolades such as the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and an honorary doctorate from the Free University of Berlin. Her favourite platform, however, remains schools, where she finds young audiences particularly receptive to her message.

Friedländer’s feature in Vogue is not just a nod to her past but a powerful statement against contemporary issues. She has expressed concerns about the resurgence of right-wing ideologies and antisemitism, particularly among the youth. Her experiences as a young girl when Hitler rose to power give her a unique perspective that she shares on behalf of those who can no longer speak for themselves.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VOGUE Germany (@voguegermany)

A Life of Endurance and Return

Born in Berlin on November 5, 1921, Friedländer witnessed the horrors of the Nazi regime. Her family was murdered, and she was eventually captured by the Gestapo in 1944, leading to her deportation to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. After the war, she married Adolf Friedländer and emigrated to the USA. Following his death in 1997, she returned to Berlin, a decision fraught with emotional complexity. Her memoir, "Try to Make Your Life," published in 2008, chronicles her journey and mission.

More Than a Fashion Statement

Despite her traumatic past, Friedländer's love for fashion has persisted. As a young woman, she aspired to be a dressmaker and fashion designer. In 1936, she attended a Berlin arts and crafts school, learning fashion and advertising drawing. She dreamt of designing clothes, often inspired by the stylish women she observed on Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm.

Friedländer's fashion sense remains a vibrant part of her identity. Her walk-in closet in her Berlin retirement home is a testament to her enduring style, featuring vintage clothing and designer pieces. Vogue’s photo session, held in the Botanical Garden of the Free University of Berlin, captured her in bright, floral dresses, exuding warmth and friendliness.

One of her most cherished accessories is a large amber necklace, a memento of her mother. Friedländer often wears this piece at significant events, making it a poignant symbol of her personal history and resilience.

Margot Friedländer's appearance on the cover of German Vogue is a profound statement that transcends fashion. It highlights her invaluable contributions as a Holocaust survivor dedicated to educating future generations. 

Vogue’s diverse covers across its global editions represent its ambition to be more than a fashion magazine. It aims to set cultural themes and spotlight unusual but crucial figures. For instance, British Vogue featured Harry Styles as its first male cover star, breaking gender norms. Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and the 106-year-old Filipino tattoo artist Apo Whang-od have also graced its covers, reflecting a broader narrative beyond fashion.