I grew up addicted to magazines. I was around 5 when I threw up on my Twinkle comic on a rough ferry crossing and was distraught that I wouldn’t be able to get hold of another copy because the new issue was due out the next day.
I spent all my pocket money on the Beano, the Dandy, Smash Hits and then, Just 17. Heaven. The Just 17 year books were my bibles and I was obsessed by “what’s in my handbag” features. I still am. I read Mizz, was banned from reading More but bought it anyway (sorry Mum but there wasn’t a sniff of a boy until much later so I couldn’t try position of the fortnight). I started reading Cosmopolitan when I was in senior school much to the shock of a student teacher who found me reading an article about sperm donation in an English lesson.
As an adult, I read them all: Marie Claire, Elle, Vogue, my beloved but not forgotten Options, Glamour and Red. I adored Red. Red was my magazine. I got the aesthetic, I understood it’s politics, it wasn’t snide or patronising and it was self aware. When it’s editor, Sam Baker, left I was bereft. There was a long conversation with the bestie about it as one of the highlights of our month was waiting for our subscriptions to arrive and then discuss the issue in detail.
When Sam set up the The Pool with Lauren Laverne I was chuffed. I was such an early adopter that I remember when googling the site was useless. I really didn’t need wikipedia on swimming pools…
It’s become a life line. The writing is varied and vital by passionate, informed and honest women. It looks fantastic and it shows the importance of great design. This piece by Lauren Laverne is keeping me afloat right now. There is so much good stuff here, so browse at your leisure and let the fizzy wash over you.