1. Teen Vogue
This is my absolute fave, I slave over each page trying to make the most of this tiny mag. I find that it's bang on trend and doesn't have a patronising tone like many other "teen" mags. The only pity is that most of the clothes are american and it's torture when you see something you like but you can't get it!
2. Nylon
This is a new favourite for me. We've had a few old ones lying around the house, but only this year I've got into it, since my friend started buying it. I love the fact that so much care and effort has gone behind the layout of each page. Definite artistic inspiration. And also they don't feature bands just because they seem cool and cutting edge, they feature bands because they are excellent.
3. Super Super
... is a trigger for an epileptic fit, in my opinion! Though I do love it dearly! This magazine is most definetley one of the moment, you don't want to be seen reading an old issue. Though one must not take Super Super word for word like I used to , because I read in it that the saucepan as a hat look would be the look spring/summer 2008 - but now after rading the kitchen cupboards I have realised that it wasn't the mega-trend they made it out to be!
4. Rubbish
I recieved this hard back magazine for my sixteenth birthday and gosh it really, really inspired me. Every page is a delight! Witty and terribly fashionable; a must-have investment. It was my bedtime reading material for at least two weeks!
5. This may kill you
... is made by my friend Charlie, at first I was a little annoyed that she started mag but I have now come to realise that I was very wrong as her zine is AMAZING! (
check it out here) Although this zine is only on issue 1, I'm already hooked. With dark poetry, games, competitions and insightful fashion, I think you should get a copy before they all go.
6. London Soul Boys in Paris
I found this zine in my house a couple of weeks ago. It's from 1986, when my Dad was in Paris on an art exchange. It documents cultural differences, soul music and beautiful illustrations. It also features the brilliant short story "Ted's Story" which I'm seriously considering re-publishing in the next feature of BFR or as a seperate mini-zine.
7. Don't know yet
... is a creation of nineteen year old Verity Pemberton. Don't know yet is clearly a sharp salute to the fashion world. Beautifully put together, with beautiful shoots featuring beautiful clothes, this is definetley one to watch.
8. ElleGirl
I know that the UK version of ElleGirl is now dead, but I still love flicking through my older sisters past issues. I just find this mag so British and I love how they promote customisation and creativity unlike most British teenage magazines who would rather discuss how to cope with being in love with your biology teacher!
9. The Eel
In my opinion they should hand the Eel out for free rather than the London Lite. It's far more insightful and completley up to date with the happening events in east london, unlike the London Lite. I especially love the feature in issue 10, by Annie-San discussing useful English phrases for foreign birds who arrive to these shores.
10. G2
This is the Guardian newspaper's daily supplement. I like it because I don't really watch the news, but this spread picks out the most intersting news and stories, so that you don't have to spend hours pouring over the main paper. I especially look forward to reading Hadley Freeman!
Do you think I've missed anyone off? I'd love to hear other peoples faves!
xxxxx
To my suprise, combining hip-hop and musical-theatre isn't as bad as it seems. "Into the hoods" was brill, loved the dancing and also the poet Mister Gee did a splendid introduction and read some of his great poetry.
