I wholeheartedly applaud this initiative and encourage our PhotoVogue creative community in New York to engage with it firsthand. Library180 is more than just an archive; it’s a space where creativity is reignited—where the tactile act of page-turning becomes a revolutionary form of exploration.

To dive deeper into the vision behind Library180, I had a conversation with co-founder Steven Chaiken, who elaborated on how the project originated, its significance today, and what it offers to a new generation of creators.

On Origins & Vision

Q: What inspired you and Nikki to transform a personal archive into Library180?
We live in an era inundated with a constant stream of content—image after image—creating a void for inspiration.

When Nikki and I began our journey, the research process was much different. Image research involved exploring archives, flipping through a diverse array of magazines, and experiencing narratives within context. That exploration ignited new ideas—a fresh approach to storytelling and a way to view how images could shape perspectives.

We recognized the chance to revive that experience for our community—reintroducing image research as an engaging resource rather than passive consumption.

Nikki’s extensive knowledge and exceptional collection naturally positioned her as the steward of this vision.

The Ideal Location

Q: Why 180 Maiden Lane? What made it the right location for the project?
From the outset, it was essential that our library’s home exude inspiration—creating a space where individuals could come to explore, learn, and dream. The first site we visited was 180 Maiden Lane, and it resonated with us instantly.

The ambiance, the scale, the views—everything felt just right. Even in its construction phase, we could envision how the space would come alive.

The Role of Print

Q: In today’s digital and AI-driven culture, what role do you think print still plays?
Print is a consistent anchor—it endures in hand-to-hand, in an archive, on a shelf; it’s revisited time and again. It possesses a timelessness, a permanence, that contrasts starkly with the fleeting nature of digital content. That tangible experience is irreplaceable, and at Library180, the distinction between digital and print experiences is paramount.

Experiential Differences

Q: How is flipping through magazines in an archive different from finding inspiration online?
It refines your eye, as Nikki puts it. You uncover what truly captivates you: one image draws your attention, cascading into another, and another—turning you into the architect of your own journey, allowing inspiration and instinct to guide your exploration.

Moreover, engaging with these stories in their authentic forms reflects the immense effort of countless artisans involved in bringing them to life.

Creating publications and magazines encompasses one of the most collaborative forms of artistry: writers, photographers, designers, and art directors converge to produce something greater than their individual efforts. Experiencing print within this collaborative context offers access to a communal vision that digital fragments cannot replicate.

Building the Archive

Q: How do you curtail what fits into the archive?
Nikki, undoubtedly—she has an unmatched sense! The archive houses materials impossible to find online. It started with her personal collection, cultivated over three decades, currently encompassing around 3,000 publications ranging from pop culture to postmodernism. Our collection continues to expand through donations as a 501(c)(3) organization, and we intersperse publications to ensure every Library visit feels fresh.

Accessibility & Engagement

Q: Why make Library180 free but accessible only by appointment?
Library180 was designed to be open, accessible, and to promote active engagement with the archive.

By requiring appointments, we create a more deliberate experience. It allows us to manage the overwhelming demand (we are fully booked through 2026) and ensures Nikki can engage with each visitor, providing guidance when necessary. Appointments last an hour; however, once inside, visitors may stay for as long as they wish.

Utilizing Library180

Q: How do you envision photographers and visual artists using the library?
Initially, we had hopes for this as a valuable community resource, and witnessing artists, students, and groups in the space makes our vision real. It’s exhilarating to observe magazine teams and brands draw inspiration from the archive and exchange ideas in real-time. It validates our model and proves immensely rewarding.

We hope the library continues to be a catalyst for idea generation and inspiration, ultimately reflected in the world as an expression of creativity.

Cultural Significance

Q: The “smut room” has already become a conversation starter. Why was it crucial to preserve that aspect of magazine culture?
The smut room—a brilliant idea from Nikki. When we first assessed the space, we were uncertain about its back section. Nikki always dreamt of incorporating part of her archive into a backroom setting, thus giving birth to the smut room.

Contrary to its name, it isn’t strictly “smut.” Much of Nikki’s collection explores the erotic dimensions of fashion, art, and pop culture—pushing the boundaries of image-making. While the images contained are provocative, they aren’t overtly explicit. They invite exploration of sexuality, form, and cultural commentary, preserving a vibrant component of our visual landscape.

These works are radically unique—issues from the era when Anna Wintour edited Viva before transitioning to Vogue, or twelve-page spreads by Jean-Paul Goude, to name a few. These are not things you will find online; thus, preserving them here perpetuates that edge of culture—vital, visible, and accessible.

Final Reflections

What feelings do you hope to evoke in visitors upon their first entry into Library180?
Our primary goal is to inspire visitors—to have them leave with newfound ideas they didn’t possess when they entered, reinvigorating their creative spirit as they return to the world around them.

Library180 serves as a reminder that research can be an art form in itself, rooted in virtues of patience, attention, and curiosity. As we navigate a culture where images are consumed at unprecedented speeds, Steven and Nikki encourage us to slow down, touch, notice, and reflect. This endeavor is a forward-thinking call—to appreciate that creativity thrives not in the cacophony of endless content but in the profound intimacy of genuine discovery.

What enhances Library180’s uniqueness is its demonstration of refined taste and knowledge when it comes to fashion imagery and magazines. It isn’t merely an archive of printed material; it is a living testament to decades of visual culture, with each title, each issue, and each page echoing an exceptional eye and a profound devotion to the art of image-making.

Stepping into Library180 feels like an expansion of time—allowing inspiration to surface without haste. For those of us who grew up alongside print’s rituals, it feels akin to returning home; meanwhile, for younger generations, it may unfold as a revelation. Regardless, it stands as an extraordinary gift to New York’s creative community—one I highly recommend to our PhotoVogue artists and beyond.