Relax, Relate, READ!
Call me old school, but there’s nothing in the world like a magazine. As a child, I was first introduced to the magic of fashion magazines through my momma’s Vogue subscription. I remember the day I saw her pull the latest issue of the mailbox. There it was, all shiny and glossy, with a chic model on the cover casually sprawled across it. The look on her face said “you know you want me.” And I did. I wanted that life! Luxury. As a preteen growing up in the Deep South of Mississippi, the glamour on those pages deemed worlds away. Once I held it in my hands, I was immediately smitten. From there, I read and reviewed each page with great detail, and It even became my very own Parsons. There, I learned every Designer, fashion house, it’s country of origin, how to pronounce it, creative directors, everything! I absorbed collections, studied supermodels, and vicariously sat front row at all the major shows during all the fashion weeks. By high school, I was just shy of being a designer! My senior year of high school, I created a boarder around my room with pages from my magazines. They beautiful pictures of brand advertisements and models. My friends immediately followed suit. Those were the days!
As you can probably see, I very much had, and still have, an infatuation with magazines. Over time, I’ve seen a few come and go. Good ones, too. Like Lucky, People Style, YM, Vibe, Jet, Porter, Goop, etc. I personally still mourn Porter to this day. It was my entry into emerging, luxury designers that gave great alternatives to mainstream brands such as Louis and Gucci. So what am I reading now? Good question! Here are my top three favorite magazines, and why. Just in time for a lazy summer weekend.
British Vogue- with the EIC Edward Enninful, this magazine received a much needed and long overdue diversity and cultural overhaul. Enninful, of whom is no rookie in the magazine industry, not only brought diversity and inclusion to the pages of this glossy, but also to the team! His editors include THE Naomi Campbell, Mother Pat McGrath, and Kate Moss. Talk about heavy hitting, huh? As if that wasn’t enough, his first years cover in his new position included Rihanna, Joan Smalls, Naomi, Lupita Nyong’o, and Judi Dench. Yep. That’s that on that.
Harper’s Bazaar- If Vogue is the “Fashion Bible”, then Bazaar is its study bible. I love Bazaar. Not only is the fashion spot on, but the articles are both entertaining and informative, but not in a snoozy or stuffy way. Both designers and celebs alike are tapped to discuss everything from world issues, to what’s inside their refrigerators. It’s journalistic tone is very much like that of your fave coworker. Always there, with the great water cooler talk, but also very up-to-date with the latest company policy change and processes. Remember, it’s about balance. And, it doesn’t hurt that the new incoming EIC is Samira Nasr, the magazine’s FIRST ever African-American EIC. I’m sure that we will soon be treated to even more diversity, inclusion, and Traci Ellis Ross, whom is Nasr’ BFF. The September Issue is going to be lit ( are we still using that word? Let me know in the comments lol.)!
InStyle Magazine- Much like an old, trusted friend, InStyle always delivers from a “we’ve got your best interest at heart” standpoint. InStyle was one of the first brands to allow readers to connect via social media, in particularly Instagram. Couple that with featuring in their recreation of the magazines featured looks, it practically ushered street style into the mainstream, therefore keeping it relevant among younger generations, I.e. Millennials and Gen Y. Not to mission, the current EIC, Laura Brown has proven to be pivotal in keeping the magazine on the forefront. She’s made no mistake in letting it be known that she is a huge supporter of Black Lives Matter, and that racism has no place not just in the magazine, but also on its social media platforms, and in her own life. Check her out on Instagram if you ever have a moment. Her comments can be quite entertaining.
So there you have it, folks. My absolute fave glossies. I wish I had enough time to sit down and read them myself this weekend, but the way my life is set up now launching two businesses, chile… Let me know in the comments what’s your favorite reads or pastimes!
Yours in style,
XoXoMo