Don't let print die


One of my favourite films of all time: The Devil Wears Prada, questions Andy Sachs when asking:

"You think this is just a magazine? This is not just a magazine. This is a shining beacon of hope."

For a society consumed by technology, it's safe to say that magazine failure is a likely threat. But should it be? Should we allow digital media to serve as the only way of publicising fashion? Most certainly not.

Unlike their recent digital publications, fashion magazines have been a part of society for decades. Though they have massively evolved in the fashion industry, from the late 19th century, fashion magazines have dictated trends to people all around the world. They began as a mode of dictation on what aristocrats of society wished to wear, therefore serving as the vessels for fashion to become so popular. This idea is now more popularly dictated online. Technology clearly controls us as it is rare to find an individual who goes through the day without checking their phone at least once. If digital publications become the only mode of 'magazines', print will dissolve, and we will lose a crucial aspect of society which has lived through iconic cultures which we as contemporaries honour.

Linking to modern society, one may wonder: do fashion magazines serve the same purpose today? What does physical print provide which online publications do not? Well, exactly that: physicality. Real life presence. Digital publications clearly distribute news and information in a fast and free way, but they do not exist in real life. I, myself, find that purchasing a magazine is like purchasing a book; one is able to engross themselves in the fashion world from a narrative style. Fashion magazines are enchanting narratives that take their readers on a journey, from their opening promotional high fashion advertisements, to their collection of articles, to the current trends, to the build up of their cover story interview. Their narrative journeys connect readers to the journey of which fashion is taking day by day.

Personally, I prefer everything about physical magazines rather than online ones. Printed magazines give each of us a sensory experience unlike those online, triggering many senses from sight to touch to smell. It has been made apparent that most people absorb information more when reading from a physical object, as opposed to through a screen. The death of print would therefore threaten our understanding of fashion and cultural development across the world. It would be a true travesty to live in a society that is completely controlled by online updates rather than literal representations of evolving cultures.

One feature of physical print which can never be as effective online is its cover. Over the decades, there has been a growing interest in the covers of fashion magazines. Anna Wintour once stated: "I'm always looking for a cover subject that reflects the magazine, an interest in fashion, in culture, in society. We're trying to bring the world into the pages of Vogue." A cover thus acts as a mode of indication for the narrative contained inside a magazine, a glossy print which serves as a statement of society. Print therefore reflects our changing cultures yet, as a concrete object, serves to also capture history.

I understand that you're reading this online, on some form of modern technology. I'm not against the idea of the digital world, because it does serve to offer opportunities for individuals like me to present their beliefs on fashion. Digital publications are an undoubtedly important way of showcasing fashion as, after all, technology is an important part of our society. But should we allow it to take over and eliminate a physical tradition of the fashion world? A tradition which has long been a form of presenting the ways in which different cultures and periods are defined? Of course not; it would be like eliminating history. So quite simply, I do not wish for print to die. Why should anyone? Digital fashion publications are an important way of constantly maintaining a cycle of live news and updates in relation to fashion, but literal print transforms these key fashion events and trends into a marvellous object that is concrete and everlasting: the magazine.

So, reverting back to Nigel's claim in The Devil Wears Prada, let us respect the beacon of hope that print gives to us, and maintain some sense of tradition in a world encrusted with modernisation. Don't let print die.

Faye .x




(As a side note, I'm wearing:

Top: Zara

Jeans: Dr Denim

Handbag: Urban Outfitters

Boots: Asos

Coat: Urban Outfitters

.xx)

28 comments

  1. I'm with you on not wanting magazine to fade out, I much prefer reading copies in my hands and carrying them around with me, rather than online. Though having said that, I'm attracted to blogs through their online-status! It's 50/50 with me I suppose and most likely yourself as we both have blogs haha :) Have a wonderful weekend..

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
    x

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    1. Haha thanks so much for your comment Gabrielle, I completely agree! You too, have a lovely weekend! .xx

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  2. I agree that I do like to have a magazine in my hand but as Gabielle said I do also spend a lot of time reading blogs so for me it would have to be a 50 / 50 too :)

    Pams Stuff and Things

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    1. Hi Pam, thanks so much for your comment! Yes I agree, both are important! I just hope that publications online don't take over print because it's such a wonderful tradition! Thank you for visiting .xx

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  3. Beautyful pictures. Thanks for comment on my blog.
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    Discoveringglam

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    1. You're welcome Andrea, thanks for visiting! .x

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  4. Such an interesting post! I definitely agree: don't let print die. I mainly think about books versus e-books (mostly because I was such an avid reader when I was younger and now bookstores are going out of business), but it's the same concept. I love the feeling of having something in my hands and flipping through the pages. I realize that technology is also a lot more convenient as everyone already carries their phones/tablets with them, but there's something about having the physical product in your hands. Great thoughtful post :)

    Sam | http://mybeautycloud.com

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    1. Thank you so much for your lovely comment Samantha! I have the same problem in relation to books, it's so much nicer having a book to read at rather than through a piece of technology! Thanks for visiting! .x

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  5. I just had a similar conversation yesterday with a friend, because I bought a book and she is just using the e-book reader :) xxx

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    1. It's a common problem we have today isn't it Naomella? Thank you for visiting! .xx

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  6. Yes, the world would be poor without prints ... amazing look!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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  7. What an interesting blogpost! I like that you're bringing this up because even though it's something that I've thought about, it's not something that I've seen talked about that much.

    I also think that it's a bit sad that everything is going digital. Although it might be better for the environment to some extent, I strongly prefer holding a physical magazine in my hands, turning the pages and the feeling the paper under my fingers...I've never jumped on the bandwagon of digital magazines, it's really not the same!!

    www.elleisforlove.com

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    1. Thank you for such a lovely comment, Seppy! I'm the same, I've never purchased a digital magazine; physical ones are so much better! Thanks so much for visiting! .x

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  8. I like your blog, its really dope.
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  9. I totally agree with you. theres nothing like holding a copy of Vogue in your hands. yes we can see things online but its not the same.

    xoxo,
    geri

    http://everydaylivingnyc.blogspot.com/

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  10. I personally like to still be able to hold a magazine, but I think that of course is changing with each generation. They even recently closed a Chapters up the street from our place.. which I loved to be able to go to from time to time. Great post btw!

    www.wunderbliss.com

    www.wunderbliss.com

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  11. This is truly wonderful dear!


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  12. The devil wears prada is my favorite movie too to date and I also prefer Physical magazines to online magazines.
    www.fashionstylemogul.com

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    1. It's iconic isn't it Meron?! Thanks so much for your comment!! .x

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  13. I really hope print won't die, both when it comes to books and magazines, because just like you I love their physicality. Sadly, I think it will die sooner or later, though...
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