The magazine was launched in 1901 as a journal devoted to architecture. The magazine became part of Condé Nast's publishing empire when he bought an interest in it in 1911. Nast transformed it into a magazine about interior design, as part of his trend toward specialized publications aimed at niche markets. The magazine was renamed HG with its March 1988 issue, under editor in chief Anna Wintour. Its new emphasis on mixing fashion and interior decoration in its pages led the revamped magazine to be derided as House & Garment by its critics; another derisive sobriquet was Vanity Chair. Wintour became editor in chief of Vogue in 1988; HG ceased publication in 1993. House & Garden was relaunched in 1995; its first issue of its second incarnation was September 1996. Condé Nast Publications announced on 5 November 2007 that the magazine was being closed again, stating that "we no longer believe it is a viable business investment for the company." and its last issue was December 2007.
