Lucinda Chambers was the consummate Vogue insider and Fashion Director for over 25 years, but last week she declared the magazine “irrelevant” and lacking “authority”. So when the staff “haven’t read Vogue in years”, is it time to search for a new fashion bible?
Much of Chambers critique of her former employer, in her now infamous interview with Vestoj magazine, will resonate with millennial fashion addicts. Vogue has become more repressive than empowering, feeling vastly outdated to their younger readership. And, it’s no secret to career girls in the fashion industry that the magazine is controlled by advertisers who bring in the biggest paycheck.
Lucinda Chambers ends her article by wondering why glossy magazine can’t be both “useful AND aspirational?”
Here, at PYT we agree!
The Academic: Vestoj
Vestoj focuses on the cultural phenomenon that is fashion and aims to bring together academia and the industry to create academic theory, critical thinking and a bit of good old fashioned glamour.
Unlike most fashion publications, the magazine does not follow seasonal trends of fashion and to keep its integrity, as an academic publication, chooses to exclude advertising from its pages. A bold and revolutionary choice for a fashion magazine!
Check out: The article that shook the fashion world, “Will I Get a Ticket?” a conversation about life after Vogue with Lucinda Chambers.
All About the Image: AnOther Magazine
The magazine was launched in 2001 and heralded a new chapter in magazine publishing, with its blend of high fashion and world-class photography. Published twice a year each issue features articles on the arts, politics and literature, and they aim to make every issue a collector’s item.
Check out: AnOther Man. First published in 2005, this sister magazine (ironic) caters to the resurgence of creativity in men’s fashion. It entered the public conscious when it featured Harry Styles on its cover.
The Economist of Fashion: BOF
Imran Amed, fashion business adviser and writer, founded this publication in 2007. Beginning as a project of passion, it tried to fill the void for an informed, analytical and opinionated point of view on the business of fashion.
An essential for all fashion workies, it’s the thinking person’s go-to fashion bible!
Check out: From September, Alexandra Shulman will be contributing a monthly column. Focusing on her unique position and experience in the fashion industry, the column will be a source of inspiration for career girls working in the fashion industry!
The Biannual: Port
Published biannually, Port combines the most current and engaging subject matter to produce features essays and profiles regarding architecture, design, business, film, environment, politics, literature and comedy alongside timeless examples of classic style and fashion.
They are setting the standard for modern publishing titles!
Check out: Their piece on “A Brief History of British Subcultures”, the images are irresistible.
Our Favourite: Stylist
Stylist is Dior’s, PYT’s founder, must have weekly fashion magazine. Stylist is for smart, successful, sophisticated women (sounds familiar) and is handed out free in ten cities across the UK every Wednesday.
Check out: We always recommend their “This Week’s Style List” to inspire some retail therapy. On the list this week: jewels, summer scents and statement towels!
For Career Girls: Riposte
The publication career girls have been waiting for, Riposte profiles bold and fascinating women whose achievements speak for themselves. Their interviews are strikingly different to the media-trained response of Vogue interviewees. Riposte offers candid and honest conversations discussing women’s successes & failures, their work, their passions and perspectives.
Check out: Take a look at Riposte’s events. Throughout the year, they offer London-based events for female professionals. Their last event took place at The Whitechapel Gallery and featured an interview with Alice Rawsthorn, OBE.
The Alternative: Dazed Digital
Dazed & Confused is an alternative style and culture magazine. They champion radical and youth culture, defining the times with a vanguard of next generation writers, stylist, and image makers.
Checkout: Dazed’s latest piece on designer Samuel Yang’s fake office staging for their latest collection. We imagine this is what every career girl’s dreams look like!
These 7 magazines are challenging British Vogues title as the premier British fashion publication, they are inspired, insightful and modern.
But, with Edward Enninful taking the realm at Vogue and already hiring Grace Coddington, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Steve McQueen as contributing editors, we might want to wait for a few issues before cancelling that Vogue subscription.
