The publishing world’s tragic losses are modern legend. We have all wept as Conde Nast said goodbye to Domino. Next was Gourmet, Cookie, Modern Bride and Elegant Bride. But perhaps all is not lost.
Image via lonnymag.com
First, back to summer of 2009: creative team Michelle Adams & Patrick Cline gathered their resources, friends, & colleagues to announce a new digital endeavor: Lonny Magazine. The lifestyle publication would focus on “accessible” interior design, much in the vein of Domino & Martha Stewart’s Blueprint. Alas, something to fill the gap in the world of shelter magazines! The first issue launched in the fall of 2009 with a thorough & thoughtful digital presentation of trends, how-to’s, and interviews, all accompanied by beautiful photography. The March-February issue featured an article on renowned designer Kelly Wearstler’s revamp of Beverly Hills’ Avalon Hotel—not bad for some individuals without a major publishing house behind them, right? Bonus: with the magazine in an online format, you can click on specific items in the photo spreads and you’ll be linked to the source website.
Image via nonpareilmag.com
Next up we have Nonpareil Magazine, a DIY wedding resource by two well-known bloggers in the realms of wedding planning (Maddy Hague of Inspired Bride) and paper goods (Kristen Magee of Paper Crave & Domestifluff). Even though the magazine is free, even though you flip with a click of your mouse, and even though it’s merely the brainchild of two bloggers who started all of this as a labor of love, that does not diminish the beautiful publication that’s a result of their hard work. Could this trend be the future of magazines? After all, some major magazines such as Nylon are already leaning towards a digital format—it seems the landscape is changing.
Image via nonpareilmag.com
Maybe editorial isn’t exactly a dying medium as so many people say. Maybe it’s just taking on a new form, and we have a collection of dedicated, inspirational individuals to thank for this. Who knows, maybe seven years from now the printed magazine industry will be back and more robust than ever. But for right now, I’d keep your eye online and in the blogosphere.
