Rocking Around the Christmas Tree with Mick Jagger and Iman

Welcome to Thirstory, where we whet your appetite with pages from the Interview archive that were almost too hot to print. This week, we rock around the Christmas tree with Mick Jagger, Iman, and Paul von Ravenstein in our December 1977 edition. 

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In 1977, the Interview editors said goodbye and good riddance to the image of old Saint Nick by giving him a new face: Mick Jagger. Photographed by Ara Gallant for the December issue, the rock star steps into Santa’s boots, and, more specifically, his iconic red hat and suit. There’s no sled or reindeer in sight, and instead, Jagger appears as if he’s pulled up outside Studio 54 in a stretch limousine with a knapsack slugged on his shoulder full of god knows what. At his side, supermodel Iman takes on the role as the chicest, most scintillating Mrs. Claus—serving freshly baked looks. With the glare of a seductive siren, artist Paul von Ravenstein lures readers in with his smize and cold shoulder. Painted by Richard Bernstein, the cover is presented like the sexiest Christmas card ever. After all, who wouldn’t want these three stars shimmying down their chimney each holiday season?