Knowing the finer details of fashion: a review of WORN Fashion Journal - Issue no. 9
I love an intelligent, in depth and witty take on fashion because this industry isn’t always about the superficial, but how imagination and creativity are constructed into reality which can be funny, provocative and eye-opening.
Many fashion publications on the shelves nowadays represent the here and now. Avid fashion followers are very aware of what’s popular and current, but fashion’s historical and cultural influences are seldom highlighted in the mainstream with thorough research and thoughtful insights.
Serah-Marie McMahon, editor-in-pants of WORN Fashion Journal, kindly sent me issue nine of the magazine to review and I was instantly captured by its expressive cover and well-written content.
Published twice a year, WORN is an independent publication based in Toronto which examines “the cultures, subcultures, histories, and personal stories of fashion... strive(ing) to embody a place between pop culture magazine and academic journal. This magazine opens new avenues in art and fashion by hovering where these two ideas intersect, connecting with fashion scholars and artists.”
Therefore, WORN is not a typical fashion magazine because it seeks to educate and engage their readers. This magazine is not a flip-through, glossy publication that will take five minutes to finish reading. This magazine demands your complete attention and absorption of information as each article has something interesting and personal to say in this 44 page issue.
Stand out reads (for me) in this issue are:
- G. Stegelmann, Everything I Know About Fashion (I Learned From My Mother), a heartfelt reflection of family, playful fashion moments of childhood and its impact on an individual’s sense of style.
- Sonya Topolnisky, [Re]introducing Valentina, a historical and academic article about Valentina Nicholaevna Sanina Schlee, fashion and theatrical costume designer, and her lasting influence on American style and fashion.
- Sara Forsyth, Brutally Individualistic, a look at the life and times of Marchesa Luisa Casati, celebrity, muse and performance artist.
After I finished reading WORN I came away with feeling a little more knowledgeable and educated on the finer details of fashion, art and culture, something I haven’t experienced with other fashion magazines before.
A subscription to WORN costs $18 for two years, it’s an investment worth making and you can stay up-to-date by following the magazine’s blog.
