So after reading all the comments, some good, some bad, regarding Scotland's new glossy fashion magazine POSED, I managed to blag me a free copy at the GCU fashion show. I sat down the other day, tea in one hand, mag in the other for a proper read. I almost wish I hadn't read any of the other blogger's comments, or heard friends' opinions as I would have loved to have read it with a clear mind - a blank canvas on which to make my opinions, unswayed by those of others.
What struck me first of all, before opening the magazine that this was a proper, glossy, high-end fash mag, that could rival the Vogues and Elles any day. The cover image was very strong, regardless of the age-old-stylist-rule that black and red together are a cheap colour combo, and the paper seemed to be of good quality, perfect bound and everything! I LOVED the simple style of the cover, just an image, the title and four sneak peaks. It has always bothered me that fashion mags, seem to cram as much info on the cover as possible in the hope that at least one thing inside would appeal to the shopper.
On the whole, the fashion spreads were fantastic. However, in a March issue, the spreads should have been focusing on Spring/Summer trends rather than scarves and woolly jumpers. Maybe a touch out of season, but still beautifully shot nonetheless. It soon became apparent that this magazine was not going to be in the same league as Vogue, but far more similar to Glamour or Looks in terms of stores advertised and brands used in shoots, which is no bad thing at all. There is a market for these magazines after all. Contrary to what I had heard through the grapevine, they did use Scottish designers including bebaroque, Sandra Murray and Christopher Kane (uncredited).
My overall feelings after reading it were really positive. I think that for a 1st issue, it was fantastic, considering the limited budget and experience the team behind it have.
Had I not started a magazine from scratch myself, maybe I wouldn't be so understanding about spelling errors, and the other issues people had noticed. I felt a wee bit that reading those comments on blogs, hit way too close to home for me and definitely made me question the motives behind, and the challenges facing my own editorial endeavors.
Here are my favourite spreads:
Pure happy and colourful! Made me smile instantly!
Very reminiscent of GAP adverts. I see this as a good thing - I always like them on the TV.
And a wee bit of S&M thrown in for good measure!
These old timey polaroid/art pieces were very intriguing! Love the treatment.
Thumbs up. Can't wait for Issue 2!