When I expressed that the one magazine that I wanted to get my mitts on was Preen magazine, little did I know that the folks over at Preen would be kind enough to hear my plea and ship some copies over to me all the way from sunny LA. Let's just say the pages are pure eye candy. There's something really fresh about the way the editorials are styled and judging from these snaps (still minus a scanner.... or minus the space to keep a scanner...) from the latest issue 4, this certainly isn't typical US-fash-mag fare. Designers like Christian Wijnants and Haider Ackerman mixed with vintage pieces. American talent like Chris Benz is showcased (that quad breasted yellow blazer is like a lemon candy melted into a delicious jacket form...) in a decidedly un-Teen-Vogue tone, not that there's anything wrong with that but Preen has created a different context for the designer.
(From Preen Issue 4 - 'Pre Millenium Tension' photographed by Peter Stanglmayr, styled by Avena Gallagher)
In particular, the Go Set Go editorial, photographed by Marcelo Krashlcic and styled by Jason Farrer has set my autumnal tone of daggy baggy weirdness. Seemingly mis-matched clothes in a plethora of colours and textures that are still a considered ensemble, made cute again with platforms/wedges and knee high socks. Oh and the vintage specs that I'll be kitting myself in to rest my weary torn eyes.
Good news is that from issue 5 onwards, Preen will be stocked internationally and most likely will be winging it's way into all the usual London fash-mag spots (Borders, Claire de Rouen, RD Franks etc). For all the fash mag addicts out there (I've seen you loitering around Borders looking crestfallen when you find the new i-D isn't out yet!), I'd keep an alert out for Preen!
I am so happy for Preen , I am so friggin' proud that it came out of Orange County of all places. This is refreshing! Something not based out of NY.
for awhile, California was and i suppose still is a dead end for unique fashion and culture. It still is predominately about what the stars are wearing, but there are signs that our own fashion culture is about to take form. I will be on the look out.
Posted by: stcolapop | 21 August 2007 at 17:54
ah, preen is excellent! lovely quality and overall great read. of course, i have a deep love and fondness for anything cool coming out southern california. is the picture above feature a knit riding cap with a rope chin-tie? it sounds quirky to describe, but i think it is magnificent!
Posted by: lady coveted | 21 August 2007 at 17:57
Oooh, lucky you!
Posted by: Emma | 21 August 2007 at 19:20
I love to the Chris Benz stuff!!!!
Posted by: | 21 August 2007 at 19:22
So glad to hear I'm not alone when it comes to loitering around Bordres in hopes of finding the neweset issues of my fav mags! Haha.
Posted by: Emily | 21 August 2007 at 22:00
the first thing i do when i travel is run to the nearest newsstand and ask about good fashion titles covering local activity.
RetailRecovery.blogspot.com
Posted by: | 22 August 2007 at 01:53
Hi Susie,
Well I know this is really random but have you stumbled on the site polyvore.com ?
So addicting!
Posted by: Amy | 22 August 2007 at 02:15
It's a great magazine. I got it for the first time recently and was very impressed.
Posted by: WendyB | 22 August 2007 at 04:25
I LOVE PREEN! glad you got a copy!
Posted by: melanie | 22 August 2007 at 18:04