The London Lounge

I am comfortable saying there are two and only two possibilities for the London Lounge "official" magazine. I know Alden's choice, Monsieur, and he is on the money there, except it still could be better, less devoted to so-called "luxury" and more devoted to the gritty mechanics of elegance. Better than Monsieur (at least at first), is Dandy, which comes out 6 times a year (this has changed, it used to be 4 I think). To give you some idea of how well-suited to our interests Dandy is, this month's editiorial addresses the "battle" between the manufacturers "advocating" fused jacket construction, versus those devoted to canvas construction. A ridiculous editorial, but at least he is addressing a subject dear to our hearts!

brescd01,

Your post has really stirred an interest for Dandy. Any idea of where I can get a hold of a copy in the NY area or even subscribe to such magazines? I have yet to come across both magazines at the book shops in my area. Thanks.

You have to order them on-line if you are in the USA, use this link:

http://www.info-presse.fr/ or http://www.journaux.fr/index.php

Monsieur has a web site: http://www.monsieur.fr/

"Dandy", "Trepointes" and the new "Haute Pointure" magazines are the works of the founder of "Trepointes." The first editions of "Trepointes", many years ago, were excellent. The excellence did not last long however as success meant bigger and more demanding RTW fashion advertisers. They don't like articles about bespoke and quality goods. What was learned from "Trepointes"was used to create "Dandy" the maximum expression of fashion tomfoolery for Men. Recently the entrepreneur has tried to come back to his roots with a magazine called "Haute Pointure" that is trying to rekindle the quality focus that "Trepointes" lost...we shall see. So far it looks like a spitting image of its older brother.

"Monsieur" has its arms tied behind its back as well with RTW maxi-firms. They would like to move up the quality focus, but can't. As in many areas, it is nearly impossible to move up from a quantity to a quality focussed enterprise.

"Soulier" is the newcomer to the line of French shoe magazines and it shows some promise though its candid editorials and revealing quality tests on shoes (a la "Consumer Reports") has not won them great favor with the big RTW makers. The magazine may not last long though many hope it does. Contact Mr. Jean-Claude Errata, Editor of "Soulier" ,for information by email jc.arrata@arcadius.fr Mr Errata has another interesting publication for Fountain pen collectors called "Stylographe" that is worthy of mention.

So at present, there is no London Lounge "certified" magazine. Respected publishers have assured yours truly that there is not enough interest to merit the founding of a quality oriented publication. And yet, there are four things each of us does every day: we breathe, eat and drink, sleep and dress. Yes, almost everyone of us dresses every day, and some of us would like to do it well. Supposedly, not enough want to.

I agree with all of Michael's criticisms. Yet, Monsieur and Dandy are all we have, and if you ignore the copy (except the product ratings and comparisons, which are very interesting), their photos are the least "gay" suggestions for modern style. And whether you are gay or straight, that is a good thing.

All the mentioned magazines have a little problem: they are written in French.

Nothing against French, of course, but I believe that the majority of Lounge's members speaks in English.

Regarding "not enough interest to merit the founding of a quality oriented publication". How do they come to this conclusion? I know, I know -- market research, focus groups, bla-bla-bla. But history showed us more than enough examples when industry pundits proclaimed "not enough interest" for something that later received... well, quite a bit of interest.

Probably you are reading this on your personal computer, right? But according to Ken Olsen (then a president of America's N2 computer company) "there is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home". Another examples that immediately come to mind is CNN and MTV ("how many people will be watching a TV channel that translates only news programs?")

I believe that there is no necessity (at least, for a first time) for a quality-oriented publication to be a periodical one. Some sort of almanac would also be very good. And we have some of the best and most stylish pens here on the Lounge... Also, I believe that some people who don't want to participate in online discussions will agree to write something for a printed magazine. You know what I'm hinting on?

Andrey

I'd second everything that Andrey has so cogently written -- even his hint.

Gentlemen;

What about a compromise? An on-line magazine to start? It is a short jump to publishing an e-zine from the learned discussions and posted examples her on the LL.

Or a bound, limted edition copy of a few of the discussions may work. One runs into copyright issues with the Esky/AA stuff, though. Although I bet the membership could persuede a few of the more right-thinking men's stores to carry a copy to offset the printing costs!

CCox

I read that Conde Nast is launching in September Mens Vogue.

This new magazine will be directed at an older affluent readership. I would imagine that it would be a quality publication since Conde Nast would not want to cheapen its Vogue brand.

Perhaps this new magazine will have some articles and fashion spreads of interest which would be of interest to most of us?[/i]

I, for one, am looking forward to Mens Vogue. I just have to believe that there are enough potential subscribers and/or newsstand buyers to make it succeed, at least from what I have read about it.

[quote="Mark Seitelman"]I read that Conde Nast is launching in September [i]Mens Vogue[/i].[/i][/quote]

Ideal! I currently subscribe to Vogue Homme Internationale. The photography is excellent and the articles are of higher calibre and interest than Esquire or GQ. No doubt that creating a fashion magazine for men is difficult as the readership is marvelously diverse.

Do you happen to know if the rumoured magazine will serve the American or British market?

The magazine will be published and edited in the USA, and I believe that it will serve the USA market.

Mark Seitelman wrote:The magazine will be published and edited in the USA, and I believe that it will serve the USA market.

Thank you!

Mark Seitelman wrote:I read that Conde Nast is launching in September Mens Vogue.

This new magazine will be directed at an older affluent readership. I would imagine that it would be a quality publication since Conde Nast would not want to cheapen its Vogue brand.

Perhaps this new magazine will have some articles and fashion spreads of interest which would be of interest to most of us?[/i]

Remember the early days of GQ? It, too, was directed at an older affluent readership; toward men of elegance and style with the means to afford such. Sadly, it only took a few years before it was hijacked by the high profile RTW crowd and began its downward slide into the sad little rag it has become.

Remember the early days of GQ? It, too, was directed at an older affluent readership; toward men of elegance and style with the means to afford such. Sadly, it only took a few years before it was hijacked by the high profile RTW crowd and began its downward slide into the sad little rag it has become.

I agree, it might start off with good intentions, but I don't think it's a realistic expectation that it will be able to resist the serious advertising dollars that will be thrown its' way. There's always hope, but a monthly magazine will eventually run out of useful advice and that's when we'll start seeing writers declaring some of the ugliest pieces of clothing ever made as must-haves and inventing ridiculous names like "metrosexual" for men that actually dress properly and take care of their appearance.

Btw, have any of you seen GQ's must-haves for August? Some atrocious stuff there. http://men.style.com/gq/fashion/landing?id=content_2941

Everyone go out and buy those motorcycle boots to wear with your pinstripe pants and shearling coat!

Seriously though, I think we have to accept that fact that we are part of a niche. Knowing this, hopefully more people like Thomas and Alden will continue to make great contributions with innovative sites like englishcut.com and this lounge.

For myself, I can say that I'd much prefer to read the two aformentioned sites than any mass-market publication. They've already helped me immeasurably in my first bespoke purchase. I feel very fortunate to have at my disposal the collective expertise of some of the best Savile Row has to offer. Do you guys really think any publication could measure up to the standards we set for them?