Five Inspiring Magazines that Prove Print isn’t Dead

The growth of online and general move away from printed publications isn’t news to anyone, with the last decade especially seeing some of the most established magazines on the market close its doors for good. It can be blamed on a number of things: unstable economic climates, improved technology, changes in consumer behaviour and convenience (why buy a pile of books when you can store them all on your Kindle?) and a savviness towards advertising that leads many to question the authenticity of many of the big titles (put ever so bluntly in Lucinda Chambers’ – former fashion director at British Vogue – recent interview with Vestoj).

But there are a whole host of print magazines out there that are bucking the trend for online-only and are achieving critical and commercial success, gaining cult followings around the world. Independent, innovative or boundary-pushing, these inspiring magazines are proving print isn’t dead.

Riposte is a magazine about women and for women, but in no way is it the typical women’s magazine that normally graces the shelves of your local newsagents. Rather than articles on how to emulate a Jenner sister’s latest look or the best way to fake tan, Riposte profiles women from an array of backgrounds and disciplines, as they talk candidly about work, life and passions.

Covering art, design, music, business, food and travel, Riposte is one of those magazines you can really sink your teeth into – and it will get you thinking too. The latest issue (issue #8) features pieces that look at Islam and feminism, motherhood, patriarchy and interviews with architect Farshid Moussavi, photographer Dana Lixenberg and breast cancer warrior and performer Ericka Hart. It’s also aesthetically impressive and has been awarded a gold European Design Award. Discover Riposte magazine here.

Close Journal is the new kid on the block, having just released its first edition with Summer ’17. A collaborative project between photographer Ryan James Caruthers (recent recipient of The British Journal of Photography Breakthrough Award) and stylist and artist Shawn Lakin, Close is an interdisciplinary print magazine and features contributions from a host of creatives that are doing things a little differently.

In the first issue of Close you’ll find work from photographer Torbjørn Rødland, collage artist Kalen Hollomon and photographer James Tolich. Discover Close Journal here.

From stylist Ilona Hamer (previously at Vogue Australia and contributing fashion editor at RUSSH) and freelance photographer Alexandra Nataf comes Unconditional, a made-for-women magazine based in New York. It’s all about the woman – what interests her, what her opinions are, her views – rather than what she looks like and what she wears. Fashion is celebrated and appreciated but not obsessed over, seamlessly and effortlessly fitting into these women’s lives rather than dictating them. It’s also beautifully shot, the styling aspirational and attainable. Discover Unconditional magazine here.

Apartamento is an interiors magazine unlike any other. Since 2008 it has been showcasing honest interiors (no styling, tidying or polishing pre-shoot) alongside interviews with a variety of interesting people across a whole host of creative disciplines. It’s not about design and objects but about people, and how they live in their (often small and full of character) homes, and it’s also refreshingly light on advertising.

In the latest issue of Apartamento (#19) you’ll find pieces featuring Italian designer and architect Alessandro Mendini, Richard Hell (of …and the Voidoids fame) and The Gentlewoman’s Editor in Chief Penny Martin, amongst others. Discover Apartmento here.

Huck magazine has been going since 2006, celebrating independent people and movements for more than a decade. It’s all about the youth-fuelled counterculture, exploring individuals and groups around the world pushing the boundaries in biking, boarding and skating, as well as music, art, film and style – often tying it in with political issues and activism in the process.

Recent articles have looked into North Korea’s new snowriding scene, women’s cycling in Afghanistan and politically-charged street artists. Discover Huck magazine here.