For a long time I have been meaning to post about Vestoj, 'the journal of sartorial matters', that fits in nicely to my current yearning for things that are individual, niche and beautifully produced. To begin with, Vestoj is a wonderful tactile object. The size is just perfect for holding in the hands, the page width very slightly wider than a book, and the whole thing is printed on a lovely matt paper-stock. It is beautifully designed with enjoyable quirky details such as the ornamental drop caps that begin each article, a looping handwriting-style italic and the slightly oversized page numbers. There is a perfect balance between text and image – indeed, well-balanced, or perhaps 'poised' would be probably the word I would use to sum up this publication. Although the articles have a tendency towards the more academic (the journal's manifesto printed on the back states the editors' desire to form a bridge between academia and industry) this is offset by the summary at the beginning of each article telling you what the text is about, which I think helps to make it seem more accessible. There is a fascinating essay by Peter McNeil on the Duke of Windsor (the Mrs Simpson one) considering his dress-sense & enthusiasm for clothes in the light of the tradition of dandyism – or 'The Significant Outfit', by Haidee Findlay-Levin discussing the use of clothing and memory in contemporary art, and referencing favourite artists of mine Miranda July and Sophie Calle.
The issue as a whole takes as its theme clothing and memory; I like the idea of clothing as 'tangible material memories of times past'. They are not funded by advertising, at the back a note explains that 'Vestoj is a non-profit organization' – their magazine made from their enthusiasm for their subject and desire to occupy a certain cultural space rather than a desire for profit, and I think this is one of the things that makes it so special – but I hope they will be able to afford to make another issue. I'm curious to see what they do next. If you come across a copy in a bookshop I recommend the purchase. I bought my copy at Artazart in Paris. But there's a helpful list of places you might find it in London or elsewhere on the Vestoj website.
