Club was founded in 1972 by Bob Guccione as a high-end men's lifestyle publication that featured articles on fashion, art, music, and politics alongside explicit photographs of nude models.
The magazine developed a devoted following and became known for its glossy pages and provocative imagery. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Club began featuring full-color images of women engaged in various forms of erotic play, including bondage, domination/submission, sadomasochism, and group sex. This led to a surge in popularity among those interested in exploring their sexual desires outside traditional norms. As the internet age dawned, Club continued to evolve, launching its own website in the mid-1990s and experimenting with new digital formats such as video and interactive features. Today, Club remains one of the most iconic names in adult entertainment, offering a diverse range of content designed to appeal to a wide audience of viewers. Club has been responsible for launching countless careers in the adult industry, providing a platform for aspiring models, actors, and performers to showcase their talents and gain exposure. The magazine's reputation for tastefulness and professionalism helped establish many stars who went on to become household names, such as Jenna Jameson and Tera Patrick. For these individuals, appearing in Club provided an essential first step toward building a successful career in pornography or modeling.
Club was not just a place where people could explore their sexual fantasies; it also served as a valuable resource for those looking to break into the adult entertainment business. Many models and performers used Club to network with other professionals, build contacts, and find opportunities in related industries like filmmaking and marketing.
The magazine's high production values gave them a sense of legitimacy and credibility that they might have lacked otherwise. This made Club an important stepping stone for many who wanted to enter the field but were unsure how to do so. In fact, some models even credit Club with helping them overcome stigma around working in erotic media and paving the way for more mainstream acceptance of the industry.
Club's influence extended beyond its covers. The magazine played an outsized role in shaping public perceptions of sex work and sexuality at large. Its lavish spreads and glamorous portrayal of erotic play helped normalize previously taboo activities, encouraging open discussion about topics like BDSM, gender roles, and consent. By presenting sexuality as beautiful, artistic, and empowering, Club helped challenge long-held beliefs about what constitutes "appropriate" behavior and stimulated new conversations about pleasure and intimacy. Today, Club continues to inspire artists, photographers, and designers across various fields, demonstrating the power of creativity to push boundaries and expand our understanding of human desire.