MAG-nificent

Thanks to Mag Nation (@mag_nation), a few weeks ago I came across their rather playful - but, in reality, actually rather accurate, too - “magdentifier”. Yes, the name is a little awkward… I don’t have any better suggestions, except maybe calling the service Magnet, with the slogan “Periodical Attraction”. Point is, this crystal ball asks you a series of 10 questions ranging from your gender and age to what makes you laugh. Upon completion, the magdentifier doesn’t list the magazines you are probably already aware of, but suggests four or five lesser known ones that might tickle your fancy. Find out more about one, and the discovery process begins.

I’m going to assume you are already familiar with magazines such as Wallpaper*, Monocle, Oyster and V Man. So, thanks in part to Mag Nation and in part to those bastions of style that I come across on the internet, here’s some periodicals that will open our eyes to previously unseen realms of life:

Photography

(above) Based out of Paris, Soon Magazine finds beauty in fashion and other man-made constructs, rather than natural settings. Published 4 times a year.

(below) Poster, established in 2001, is an Australian publication also released every 3 months. With a focus originally on fashion which has now expanded to include architecture, interior design and art, it describes itself as being about “luxury and the avant-garde, and the space where the two meet”.

Style for Men

(above) Like its female counterpart, AnOther Man is bi-annual and on the back of only 6 issues has quickly turned into one of the defining men’s fashion publications, with essays, collection reviews and interviews from men at the top of their game - from music and film to architecture. Plus the latest issue has styling by Nicola Formichetti!

(below) Man About Town is a modern journal for the man who is all about luxury with pages of ads from Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Gucci and Calvin Klein contributing to every issue. Neatly comprised of features and fashion, it too is published twice a year from the UK.

Lifestyle/Culture

(above) When I say culture, I’m talking about counter-culture with Nude Magazine. From ‘deviant’ graphics and design to eccentric (more indie than indie) music and almost unknown fashion, Nude Magazine, published 4 times annually, is honest about what it likes and doesn’t.

(below) It’s taken off like few other magazines have (in my world, anyway), so if you don’t know Apartamento - ‘an everyday life interiors magazine’ that was the brainchild of a photographer and art director - get to know it.

Cutting-edge Fashion

(above) If you haven’t noticed my obsession with Sonny Groo, then you’re not paying enough attention! It should come as no surprise then that Mykromag - a purely online periodical, started by Sonny and edited by members of ‘The Watchmen’ - is featured here. With interesting interviews (and interesting subjects, such as fashion director of Russian Vogue and Tommy Ton, photographer at Jak & Jil, for example), make sure to allow time to peruse Sonny’s latest venture.

Music

(above) Nah, you know about The Fader, right? I’m sorry for insulting you…

I’m off to find out more about Paper Planes, after being recommended it by Mag Nation. I’ve watched this video on their blog, but I’m still sort of in the dark.

Suggestions as to other magazines I should keep abreast of?