Twitter is an unexpected delight. Who thought, or realised that it could introduce you to new people by simply typing up to 140 characters? Who knew that it could introduce you to new websites, new blogs to pore over, and of all things.. a new magazine, that only prints once annually. I blame Twitter for this purchase. So thanks to the recommendation of a fellow Twitter-er, I followed Dujour Magazine, not knowing much about their origins, not knowing about what content they produced; at first I was ‘Oh! Pretty background! Shinnnyyyy. But wait, oh they’re a New York fashion magazine!? But their website was different, it was less intimidating, it invited readers to learn more about vintage, or handmade items with their items sold either on their own websites, or in Etsy online stores. I was intrigued.

Mag Nation and Dujour were both promoting the fact that there were now copies available in Melbourne; so, that was that. I had to get a copy! Bear in mind, again.. I knew next to nothing about what I was in for, or.. how much a copy was. I prefer not to say how much was spent; but really I think of it in the way that I would spend just as much on a single magazine 12 times throughout a year – and come on. This was a one off!

I was really lucky to get the copy – the ‘3rd floor’ of Mag Nation was closed (as I went after work) but ooh, I was able to get one. As the first picture shows, it came enveloped in a brown thickened paper envelope, threaded with pink thread down the side, and tagged with a little label stating that my limited edition issue was copy #508.  That alone made it possibly worth the price. I was still feeling a bit guilty for having forked out a bit of cash without realising what was inside; but to open up that envelope and not buy it; I’d feel bad for the next person wanting a copy!

Then opening it up, wow. Check out the black & white sketched cover. Not only that, but the ‘goodies’ I was told might be inside was a delightful surprise! By Belle & Boo, a cutout little paper girl with a pull along duck, and red ribbon to attach. So quaint! And then accompanying badge magnets (‘buttons’ in American lol) How adorable are they?! I felt like I needed gloves to handle it at this point; I just knew I’d bought something special.

Without spoiling too much of the content; but giving you enough to want to get yourself to Mag Nation, or order a print copy; Dujour Magazine is a coffee table book, in magazine form. It is the first independently published fashion magazine based in New York, with Letitia Burrell, a young savvy fashion stylist, as creator, editor-in-chief and article contributor at the helm. The fashion spreads within the magazine are part of what makes it so special, and stand out from any other ‘mainstream’ fashion magazine I’ve ever come across.

Due to this issue being themed around art, and how art can inspire fashion  or perhaps fashion inspires art; the editorials are based around up and coming designers and artists that haven’t yet made a name for themselves. All of these interviews, fashion spreads, and personal stories of surviving one’s inaugural fashion week just enticed me to Google the artists. It made me want to look at their Etsy store and browse items I probably couldn’t afford and or fit into.  I honestly cannot say I know much at all about fashion. Don’t ask me what’s in; don’t ask me what’s out (actually, a friend and I decided today that leggings worn as pants should definitely be out!)-  all I know is that I love colour, I love feminine class, and something actually wearable.  Though I work in the IT industry, I’m one girly girl out of about 10 guys and Dujour only makes me want to be more feminine and keep my girly identity before completely becoming a geek-ette!

What I can say is that for me, a standout in this issue was the styling of a spread called ‘Frida Come Back To Me’ – a piece styled upon the personal style and art of Frida Kahlo. The makeup, the styling, and photographs are just breathtaking. The other piece that I just can’t take my eyes off is called ‘I Can’t Take It Off’ featuring an absolutely mesmerising model named Sarah Emmons, vividly bright red hair, with jade green shadowed eyes, lounging and posing alongside what looks like a poolside palazzo.

The photography and presentation of the magazine as a whole is more appealing than any advertisement filled fashion tome.  The fact that its not made with  ‘cookie cutter’ presentation; the use of so many bold colours, fonts, and the passion expressed by the writers, and artists alike; I don’t know whether to keep it on my coffee table, or gently tear out pages in order to pin up on a cork board for inspiration! (I’d probably feel too guilty if I did the latter..)

This is me now, eagerly awaiting the next print issue!

Visit Dujour Magazine here to subscribe to their digital editions and read their cutesy blog! To check out Belle & Boo’s adorable art & homewares website, click here

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