Now, amidst a financial crisis rage, seems to be the perfect moment for fashion devotees to be fêted by a fashion publication that sets itself apart from celebrity and commercially-charged print giants. In fashion, when times get tough, innovation goes a long way. 

 

The name of said publication might puzzle you a tad though; The Last Magazine, first published about a year ago. One of its creators, Magnus Berger, says of the name, “it might sound cocky, but it’s a play on that whole discussion that print journalism is in its final throws, which we don’t agree with.”

 

The magazine’s expose is a big chunk of the allure, published in an oversize newspaper format similar to that of French magazine Egoiste and 80s British magazine Ritz. The Last is enveloped in a paper wrap and includes poster-size editorials that are sure to blow your mind. 

 

 

The brainchildren behind The Last are design royalty Magnus Berger and Tenzin Wild. Berger, also known as Julia Restoin’s ex-boyfriend and Baron Baron’s former art director, commented on the importance of the glossy, “I feel like at a lot of magazines it was always the same people working and it was really hard for the younger guys to get into it and get their work published. Not just with fashion, a lot of new artists, new music, new designers. The whole idea now is to promote a new generation.”

 

With brand new faces, including plenty of up and coming stylists, photographers and writers, the prospect of fresh blood is simply exciting. Appointed by a non-jaundiced mix of inspirations, marked by iffy personalities, and inspired by an “all things new” philosophy, The Last Magazine proves to be a lot more than just another fashion rag.

 

 Editorial from The Last Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Last Magazine 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 by: Melissa Alvarado Sierra

The queen of boho chic takes the reigns at Celine… 

 

    

 

After a two-year hiatus, British designer Phoebe Philo returns to the fashion world by taking the helm at French fashion house Celine, as Creative Director. Credited with Chloé’s revival, along with college buddy Stella McCartney, Philo seems to fully understand what customers want right now. ” In the current climate customers are looking for something that will get them interested and excited about buying again. I want to create clothes, shoes, bags and accessories that are relevant to right now — modern, exciting designs that women will desire and appreciate,” the designer told WWD.  

 

 

 

  Celine is an LVMH brand, and Pierre-Yves Roussel, CEO of LVMH’s fashion division commented on Philo’s new venture, “by giving her Celine, we’re giving her a platform to express her vision. For Celine, which is a bit more sophisticated as a brand, the fit is very good in terms of her style, her personality and where she is in terms of her own development.”   

 

  

 

Celine is in desperate need of a boost after having two Creative Directors with less than spectacular results. The brand has not seen much success since Michael Kors’s splendid collections back in the 90’s. With Philo’s comeback, Celine has the chance of becoming the sough-after brand it once was.   

 

 

  The 35-year-old designer and mother of two will debut her first collection for Celine in March, for autumn/winter 2009. —Melissa Alvarado Sierra