OWN Magazine.

March 18, 2010
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It’s that time of year again – the weather becomes gradually more tolerable, the mood of the general population improves with onset of the Spring/Summer season, and, of course, it’s time for locking myself indoors in order to tackle countless essays and assignments. And, while poring over theories on Last Tango in Paris and its politicisation of sexuality is far from boring, it’s a far-cry from devouring fash mags.
Having been offered the opportunity to preview the new issue of OWN magazine, I was eagerly awaiting its arrival so as to flee from the confines of Microsoft Word and delve into its clean-cut aesthetic. It’s here, and has been, undoubtedly, worth the wait. While I’m a fan of wordy mags and easily read – cover-to-cover – something as inappropriate to my own lifestyle as Elle, it’s refreshing to find a publication, like OWN, that effectively blends informative articles with inspiring editorials and an overall slick design. No wonder, then, that this a Japanese-produced read.
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^ OWN Magazine No. 9

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^ Kazuyuki Kumagai
From a kind of photo-profile of the work of Japanese menswear designer, Kazuyuki Kumagai (easily my new menswear fave), to a feature on an Italian-style, Osaka-based café, OWN aggregates all facets of style with the result that everyone from the fashion aficionado to interiors obsessive is more than satisfied.
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^ The Day Before editorial feat. AJ and Peter at FORD. Photog: Tetsuhara Kubota. Styling: Shala Rothenberg
Even the editorials seem to reflect the pure aesthetic of the magazine with an emphasis on sharp but simultaneously subtle styles. Take note, too, that gender-bending is at the core of the magazine with each issue’s cover composed of an eye-catching shot of a female model bedecked in the finest men’s clothing (issue 9 features Yves Saint Laurent AW09) – a welcome alternative to certain publications’ collective penchant for semi-naked actresses.
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^ Yves Saint Laurent Men’s Fall 09 feat. Ana M
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^ Profile – Darla Baker from Elite

While the mag is subtitled “New Men’s Originals”, it’s just a worthwhile read for women as for men which, I think, makes it original, and well above the rest.
  • Mat March 18, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    ive not heard of this one, i love buying new magazines. my buying patterns are irregular and fickle, thats the way i like it

  • Charleston March 19, 2010 at 11:41 am

    incredible editorials and prints, and another great post and find from you

  • OntFront March 19, 2010 at 12:14 pm

    Cool magazine, we like what you did with the article. And we also just did an interview with Kota Kuramoto:http://ontfront.blogspot.com/2010/03/interview-with-kota-kuramoto-of-own.html

  • ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥ March 23, 2010 at 2:04 am

    That's really amazing!I love This!

  • Stephen April 20, 2010 at 10:31 am

    Can this be bought in Ireland? You've got me coveting, as most of your posts do.Slick blog. -Stehttp://www.stitchesfabricandsoul.com

  • James April 27, 2010 at 3:01 am

    Thanks so much! We love the post! Keep up the awesome work.JamesOWN Magazine