Top 13 magazines covering sustainable design
Sustainability is definitely becoming one of the hottest words in the world of design, and magazines in-the-know are at the front line of this accelerating trend. To get your fill on the latest improvements in the world of holistic innovation, check out the following conscience-boosting reads.
Sublime Magazine
Coining itself as ‘the first international sustainable lifestyle magazine’, this UK based publication is committed to promoting ethical values and intelligent content. Formed in 2004 as an independent bimonthly magazine, its content delivers enticing urban entertainment in the form of information and discussions on the hottest topics in culture. Featuring the latest in design, art and social movements, as well as interviews with leaders of the sustainable design movement, articles are bound to deliver thought-provoking messages and ideas. Read a selection of articles at http://sublimemagazine.com/, and choose to have your own delivered right to your home.
ABOVE Magazine
This delightfully sophisticated lifestyle magazine is a feast for both the eyes and the mind. Executed in an extremely professional manner, the design and content of the magazine appeal to those that appreciate both beauty and true quality. Feature articles in ABOVE include latest in design, art and culture celebrate the beauty of the world, whilst simultaneously promoting the need to quell our destructive habits. Enhanced by photography from the likes of Peter Beard and Gilles Bensimon, and feature writers such as Claire Nouvian, David deRothschild and Stella McCartney, this magazine alluringly demonstrates that the art of sustainable living is not far from heaven on earth. Stay tuned as ABOVE will be relaunching online in Spring 2012.
SIX Magazine
This recently launched publication is the newest on the sustainable fashion front, representing ‘slow fashion, respect for clothes and those who created them, and the return to individuality’. The layout of the magazine is meant to attract those in search of luxury-oriented sustainability, with sections showcasing the latest in ethical high fashion, environmental beauty products, exclusive travel destinations and the newest developments in green eating. Articles and fashion spreads feature designers from around the world, in a tone and manner aimed at engaging anyone interested in true quality. The first issue is available online for free, as well as their online articles and blog.
Style Ethics in US Vogue
One might not expect the fashion bible to delve into sustainability talk because of its association to stereotypically unstylish environmentalist hippies, but a section dedicated to just that must mean this trend is one to not take lightly. The Style Ethics pages of the magazine aim to inject a bit of ‘greenery’ and value of craftsmanship into the wardrobes and heads of fashionistas. From discussing water pollution of textile manufacturing with Costello Tagliapetra, interviewing vegan lifestyle advocate Alicia Silverstone, to photographing Caroline Trentini in a Bantu bikini made by craftswomen in southwestern Africa, sound values seem to be gaining a foothold even in the fast world of fashion.
Peppermint Magazine
Dedicated to promoting slow fashion and appreciation of handcrafts, this green fashion magazine celebrates all things crafty and creative. Based in Australia, the positively charming, homespun magazine makes sure to walk the talk, from only promoting completely ethical and environmental brands, down to using a certified printing press on 100% recycled paper. Ultimately a lifestyle magazine geared towards fashion, articles include information on almost anything you need to know to keep you up to date on the latest in beautiful, handmade goods. Check them out on their website and you’ll experience the comfort and charm of artisan appreciation.
Lucire Magazine
A truly pioneering magazine, Lucire was the first fashion publication to partner with the United Nation’s Environment Programme (UNEP). With a focus on fashion but an emphasis on sustainability – publisher Jack Yan (also author of Beyond Branding) thought it important for fashion the have a point of view – particularly when it comes to global issues. In 2005, Lucire also became the first international fashion magazine to publish a monthly sustainable fashion editorial called “Behind the Label” written and produced by our very own co-founder, Summer Rayne Oakes. Other features include the latest runway reports, intelligent fashion events from around the world, and the impact of celebrity ambassador work in developing countries. To whizz your way around the world in a dashing fashion, visit Lucire and subscribe to your very own copy.
The Wild Magazine
The Wild is a brilliantly-produced, limited edition print and online quarterly magazine created by Brooklyn-based photographer-turned-publisher, Giovanna Badilla. A host of contributors flock to the magazine for it’s cutting-edge creativity and hipster appeal. The environmental aspect is baked into the core of the magazine but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the mag. Images are provocatively stirring, fashion-rich and utterly edgy. Source4Style is . . . shall we say . . . wild for The Wild.
The Word Magazine
A Belgian publication with the motto ‘Neighbourhood Life + Global Style’, the Word Magazine is a fresh take on the relationship between local and luxury. Although not focused on sustainability as such, many of the art and design initiatives discussed in the magazine prove that sustainability is becoming integrated into culture-savvy lifestyles. Articles have highlighted the work of surf/skateboard culture inspired graphic designer Emil Kozak, sustainable fashion designer Ada Zandition as well as Javier Barcala, a media artist who is producing a film dedicated to promoting sustainable fashion. The print edition of the magazine can be subscribed to, or download it in PDF form from their website.
Intelligent Life
The culture and lifestyle quarterly from The Economist boasts a venerable group of authors that mix wit with style in their articles. As ‘green lifestyles’ are becoming an extremely viable option, economies and companies are realizing the importance of delivering products and services that can accommodate them. With an online version at http://moreintelligentlife.com articles from the print edition, as well as ones exclusive to the website are available free of charge. Bridging the gaps between arts, culture and economics in a captivating manner, the authors bring their audiences a lot of food for thought.
Coco Eco Magazine
Founded by Anna Griffin in 2008, Coco Eco has been called ‘the Vogue of Green’, being one of the slickest and most competently produced publications geared towards luxury eco-lifestyles. This digital magazine is available bimonthly through a subscription, reaching an audience of over 7,000 readers. The content contains articles on lifestyle, travel, beauty and celebrity interviews, as well as fashion spreads showcasing the latest eco-trends. Through communication via the internet, Coco Eco has assured its subscribers easy access to the most recent issues anywhere, at any time. Sign up for yours here.
Monocle
This magazine can probably be described as the ultimate must-read on the latest and most engaging happenings in culture. Each issue focuses on the latest cities to create a buzz in the world of innovation, the effects of current issues on culture, as well as discussing the latest business phenomena, providing any kind of reader with an enticing article. As sustainable practices and values are being increasingly incorporated into business models and cultural events, the publication strongly emphasizes topics involving the future of design. Form your own opinion on the website with access to full articles via subscription
Elephant
A relatively recent magazine from Frame Publishers, this quarterly focuses on contemporary art and visual culture. Digging deeper than the image of consumer culture construed by mass-corporations, Elephant aims to promote independent art and media ventures. Articles are extremely thought-provoking “ceaselessly asking and enquiring into creative trends and art movements and innovative techniques.” Its contributors are interested in finding true passion for the practices featured in their pieces, and promoting this conviction to the rest of the world. Click here and find out how to become inspired.
Catalyst Magazine
A design review compiled by students at the Pratt Institute in New York, this magazine examines anything from the latest agricultural practices in India to questioning strategies for shifting consumer society. A fresh new set of scholars undertake the mission of reporting the latest in sustainable development through a critical and creative lens each time the course is run, providing a unique and insightful read. Previous issues can be accessed here, and you can add yourself to the distribution list. ♥
