HERO is a relatively new publication centering around 'The Faces of Tomorrow's Fashion' in the male fashion and modeling industry. It's published twice a year here in the UK but has a strong international following even though only on it's fourth issue. This edition features up-and-coming models such as Luka Badnjar, Artur Olecki and Joe Flemming plus many others. I bought the last copy yesterday from GmbH in Glasgow and was informed that it's been selling really well.
The magazine itself is A4 in format and has a bold design with chunky title headers and an over-indulgence in upper case fonts. I'm not usually a fan of reading body copy exclusively in capital letters but it just about gets away with it here. Typography-wise there's also an extreme use of justification used throughout, sometimes providing huge spaces between words. It shouldn't work but it provides text information, such as on the contributors page, with a graphical twist that draws your attention.
Thick matt paper stock lends the publication a tactile quality. The only downside with this sort of paper is that the pages have a distinctive scent from the ink used in the printing process. It certainly doesn't detract from enjoying the magazine but it is noticeable. Thankfully there's also very minimal advertising.
There's an awesome array of Winter/Spring 10/11 fashion on show here. My particular highlights include designs by Martine Rose, Lanvin, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry Prorsum and Topman Design.
However the focus in HERO is equally on the models themselves as much as it is on the fashion, which is a refreshing change, especially for a mens fashion title. A catalogue of casual interviews located at the back gives us a little insight into the personalities behind the faces in the fashion spreads.
I've been a massive fan of HERO magazine since last year and I'm finding each new issue is more refined than the last. I highly recommend supporting this independent title as each edition feels like a collectable, crafted with care and precision. Can't wait for issue five.
No comments:
Post a Comment