Spring is definitely in the air, thank goodness. Despite the fact that everyone in the print industry seems to be finding it hard right now, it does seem like quite a fertile time for new magazines. For all those girls who loved Fantastic Man but realised it wasn't really for them (probably just me, but hey, if there's anyone else out there get in touch, we could be friends), there is now sister-magazine The Gentlewoman (pictured below with The Manzine – post about which to follow soon).
As anyone who knows Fantastic Man would expect, it is beautifully designed, simple & restrained typography (go action Futura) beautifully complimented by the art direction.
Articles feature interesting & talented women & the interviews are nicely offbeat, a tactic that does often yield up fresh and interesting information (although I was less interested by Daisy Lowe's housecleaning rituals than you might imagine – a minor blip).
It's largely monochromatic, but where colour is used, it is used to great effect – how much do I want a yellow 2CV now…
I love the reference section, a quirky feature nestling in the middle of the magazine, printed on uncoated paper, instantly appealing to graphic designers & anyone who likes endmatter / footnotes / that sort of thing…
So look out for it. I think I got my copy at Magma. It's a lovely magazine for women looking for something with the beauty, fantasy & aspirational elements of a glossy fashion magazine, but who want more substance with the gloss. I'm already looking forward to the next one (sadly it's a biannual, so there will be a while to wait) – can't wait to see where they take it next (a website? a Gentlewoman style 'daily recommendation' would so great).
ps. lovely interview here with editor Penny Martin that just makes me like her magazine all the more.
