It's that time of the year again. Back to school, fall season - SEPTEMBER. With many publications release their September issues. It seems like a lifetime ago when "The September Issue" was released in 2009 and put the World's Fashion Bible at a mainstream focus. Looking back, we see how much the state of magazines - and fashion as a whole - has changed.
So, Why Are They Relevant?
Why are the September issues so vital to the fashion community? September marks the beginning of a new season, a return to life after summer frolicking for people. They are considered to be a massive fashion moment, loaded with dazzling editorial spreads, upcoming trends of the season and prime advertorials - something that fashion enthusiasts keep an eye out for. Also, it is a subtle display of financial strength of the publication by the number of pages reserved by advertisers, which implies that the magazine is doing well.
Social Media Is Going To Be The Inevitable Death Of Print
However, with the rise of social media and digital communication mediums, there is no good reason to measure the economic health of a publication by the number of advertorial pages in their September issues. With an exponential decline in the number of print magazines over the last few years, the contents of fashion magazines seldom have something that the crowd isn't already aware of.
A brief look into the evolution of Vogue September covers.
We believe that the circumstances of modern age call for more inclusivity when it comes to cover stars. Since covers are probably the one thing that everybody is waiting for, any positive response to a magazine cover is expressed or shared online via tweets or Instagram stories. Most magazines always aim to get a cover star who is largely popular or is very picky with their presence when it comes to the press. There is a need to realize that featuring the same cluster of celebrities is going to boost the downward spiral of print media.
Take, for example, British Vogue's Forces For Change Issue. It featured 15 women, all pioneers in their own respective fields. American Vogue still used Taylor Swift but attempted to move the attention to stories beyond the glitz and glamour. More magazines are now progressively getting the memo that many readers are aware of the impact of fashion media on society as a whole.
Until the entire fashion industry is all-embracing in its functioning, the glossy pages wouldn't mirror the true face of our diverse society. However, we trust that with the rise in more inclusive cover projects, it is a step in a positive direction.
Image(s) Source: V, Glamour, Dazed, Vogue, Instagram
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