17.Nov.2009 Zine Scene: 5 great online fashion mags
2009 has been a tough year for the magazine industry. Circulation is downat many major publications, advertisers are jumping ship, several titles have been cut loose, and heads have been rolling at Condé Nast.
Magazines are by no means ‘over’: they’ve just been weathering the storm of an over-saturated market in an economic downturn. But where are we to turn for our curated fashion fix when our favourite titles have been shafted off the shelves?
Online, of course. The online magazine format is in its beta phase in some senses, but this allows for greater creativity and more room to move. Printing and delivery costs are non-existent and the content can be reached by anyone in the world. I’m not talking about the websites of real-deal magazines, and they aren’t blogs either. They mix elements of each format to create something truly unique.
And so, I present to you five of the great online fashion magazines!
N.E.E.T.
Offline comparison: Australia’s Frankie magazine
N.E.E.T. is all about indie, with a sweet homespun aesthetic found throughout its profesh photo spreads. Etsy designers and bloggers get recognition for their unique take on fashion and style.
Sesame
Offline comparison: Russh
The makers of Sesame magazine put the online format to good use, incorporating sound and even an interactive colouring-in page, courtesy of illustrator Beci Orpin. The aesthetic is childhood birthday party meets sombre end of summer frolics in an enchanted wood.
Hint
Offline comparison: Another magazine
It’s not just about pretty pictures at Hint: here, they profile the greatest shops, the newest luxury beauty products and the hottest bands. A magazine to remind you that being stylish isn’t just about what you wear.
Thread
Offline comparison: Australia’s Yen
Don’t be put off by the fact that this site is run by the BBC: this is not the period-drama equivalent of online mags; no bonnets or bustles will be found here! It’s no longer updated, but still remains pretty current. Here, you’ll discover an eco-conscious guide to fashion that doesn’t sacrifice style. You can’t get much more modern than that!
Tyra
Offline comparison: Oprah’s O (at a stretch!)
I’ll be the first one to admit that Tyra Banks is a special kind of crazy. But checking out her new venture – an online magazine called, yup, Tyra – I can’t help but think she’s done it again. Incorporating videos into the magazine works quite well, and there are plenty of interviews and trend predictions. My only complaint would be that Tyra has a little too much, well, Tyra…
What are your favourite online fashion magazines?
