Thoughts on i-D Magazine

       

        i-D is a magazine that intrigues and inspires its readers. With its creative editorials and powerful messages, i-D keeps its edgy, punk, London vibes alive. This particular one, issue 336, the activist issue, has articles with people who talk about their strong points of view towards love, gender, and race equality. Holly Shackleton, the editor-in-chief and her team (such as the fashion editor Julia Sorr-Jamois) have brilliantly portrayed their feelings through the fashion and editorials so it's more captivating and exciting for the reader. A quote said by Rick Owens in the magazine states, "Clothes are a great initial message of intent or protest." i-D has put lots of quotes and questions throughout its pages, trying to push its readers to think a little bit more.

        i-D's advertisers include many luxurious brands such as Chanel or Dior, but following the magazine's youthful orientation, it also features many smaller brands like Topshop or Diesel.

        I imagine the type of reader to be younger; late teens to young adult. i-D can fit to both genders, male and female, and any sexuality, as they obviously support love and gender equality. Following their inspirational world-changing mottos and activist ideas, the photographs in their editorials are often odd and surprising, leaving an impact on the reader. For example, men are shown in women's clothing, and women in men's, which demonstrates their drive to break down the barrier between genders. The people shown in i-D are diverse and feel genuine, their aim being to present different point of views, and unite different cultures for the same cause. For example, Louis Vuitton's designer profile showcases an Indian man wearing the clothes in his poverty-stricken homeland, far from the glamorous Parisian streets in which the brand is usually imagined.

        My favorite editorial in this magazine would have to be "Wear Your Beliefs Where We Can See Them" shot by Richard Burbridge and styled by Lucy Ewing. That title perfectly describes this piece, and tells the reader its story. The models' eccentric and humorous make up looks convey important social messages: The image of this man,wearing a headband made of toy guns and black streaks mimicking burns on his face, condemns the use of guns.

        In my opinion, the most intricate and inspirational photograph in this editorial is this one.

My favorite part is the choice of colors used for the paint on her face. The red and black are harsh, intense colors that portray her aggression and how strongly she feels about her beliefs. Yet, the pink lipstick and the pink under her eyes brings back her femininity and shows she has a softer side. I like the contrast it demonstrates between the typical masculine aggression and the delicate feminine side with the use of those colors.

        Let's now imagine this issue as a person: I'm thinking of a determined (maybe a little overboard), passionate, and motivational friend. This beautifully imperfect genderqueer/agender would be sitting at a small restaurant eating a salad, following her strict vegan diet, when a boy would walk in. Intrigued and attracted by his creativity, edginess and "bad boy' image, our friend would fall head-over-heels for a young Mick Jagger.

       i-D magazine is youthful, edgy and inspirational. It uses art to bring feelings to the reader to convey a message and touch people's hearts and minds.