WSJ. Magazine’s 10 Most-Read Stories of 2018
From the business of Gwyneth Paltrow to the wisdom of Keith Richards, from one of the most storied art collections in the world to a developer who hopes to save retail—and much more—these are WSJ.’s most-read stories of the year
IT’S EXCITING to go out with a bang, and at WSJ. we ended the year with our most-read story of all time: our December/January cover story on Goop CEO Gwyneth Paltrow. In the profile, Paltrow discusses how Goop lures in its customers, her second marriage, the public’s mixed perception of her and more. With 378 comments and counting, the article has been a real conversation starter.
Other captivating cover subjects who made our top 10 include Keith Richards, Gisele Bündchen, Roger Federer and Oprah. A few stories on the list offer a fascinating glimpse into the state of the fashion and retail industries: our feature breaking the news that Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row had launched a menswear line, a look at the developer whose shopping centers could save malls and a story about Nordstrom’s big bet on brick-and-mortar. We also took a peek at the Rockefeller Collection before it went to the auction block at Christie’s.
Our profile of Anthony Bourdain this spring was one of the last interviews with the chef and TV host before his tragic death in June. He’ll be remembered as an empathetic, courageous person whose writing and on-air adventures brought different peoples of the world a little closer together.
1. Gwyneth Paltrow Wants to Convert You
Newly remarried, the Goop CEO is living her best life—and believes she can help you live yours better, too.
2. The Wisdom of Keith Richards
At 74, Keith Richards is still a style icon. And although he’s aware that at some point the music must stop, for now there’s a new album to finish and a tour to plan.
3. Gisele Bündchen Is a Force of Nature
Bündchen has changed the paradigm for supermodel success. Just don’t call this self-proclaimed “jeans-and-T-shirt girl” a “fashion person”.
4. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row Launches Menswear
Twelve years after the Olsens launched their fashion line, they are finally adding a full-fledged menswear collection that aims for perfection.
5. Roger Federer Can’t Be Stopped
After a career-threatening injury, and as the oldest top-ranked player, Roger Federer should be planning for retirement. But he’s enjoying tennis too much to stop just yet.
6. The Gospel According to Oprah
Whether or not she ever runs for office, Oprah Winfrey is on a mission to make America listen again.
7. The Man Who Could Save Retail
L.A.-based billionaire developer Rick Caruso is set to open an innovative outdoor shopping center in Pacific Palisades that aims to make mall more than a four-letter word.
8. Anthony Bourdain’s Globalist Mission
With ‘Parts Unknown,’ now in its 11th season, Bourdain continues a restless odyssey to understand our global community through food.
9. Will the Rockefeller Collection be the First Art Auction to Top $1 Billion?
Peggy and David Rockefeller’s vast collection, ranging from porcelains to Picassos, is poised to set an all-time record at Christie’s—with all proceeds going to charity.
10. Nordstrom’s Biggest Bet Ever
As the internet turns fashion retail upside down, Nordstrom is going big on brick-and-mortar stores in New York City. Will the century-old family-run company succeed?
WSJ. Magazine