I'm a culture-o-file, and chances are if you're reading our site (and, specifically, this article), you probably are too. To me, there's nothing more fascinating than comparing different societies' interpretations of the same idea. One way I satiate this thirst for cross-cultural information is by reading different design and fashion magazines from various countries.
Below, I've pulled together a few of my favorite 'zines from across the globe that always encourage me to think about art (after all, high-quality, collectable magazines are art) in a new, refreshing way.
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Focus: Fashion and pop-culture interviews.
Highlights: Clean design intensely focused on the strongest suit of the magazine: stunning editorial, fashion photography. That said, some effectiveness in writing is lost in Spanish to English translation; flowery writing seems to shoot for the moon… and miss. Get your hands on the Spanish text first. It'll do the writing a bit more justice.
Published: Five issues per year
Location: Milan, Italy
Focus: Interiors, interior design. "A bored materialist can’t understand that a house has to become a home. It happens, not through perfection but by participation," say founders Andy and Elsa Beach of their no-fuss mission.
Highlights: Apartamento isn't an interiors magazine that deals with the perfect staging of an expensive room; rather, it focuses on how interesting people occupy the spaces they live in. The small format and paper-stock used make reading this magazine a very uniquely tactile experience.
Published: Biannually
Location: Paris, France
Focus: Fashion, fashion and more fashion. Each issue is guest edited, so depending on who's behind the wheel, you may or may not see more editorial text. Usually, you'll find slim to none.
Highlights: See fashion in a new way. The content is photographed just as sexily as if it the products featured were draped on a model — but they're not. Shoes, bags and clothing finally get the close-ups they've always deserved.
Published: Biannually
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Focus: Design Bureau takes a good, hard look at engaging (and quirky) design around the world, inspiring a conversation between design-makers and design-lovers. It's not stuffy; it's downright cool.
Highlights: It's published more often than the market competitors, and the blog is updated with a constant, daily stream of entertaining bits and bytes.
Published: Bimonthly
Location: Athens, Greece
Focus: Urban youth culture, modern fashion, art and music.
Highlights: Ozon fancies itself more "urban" than other fashion magazines, but really, it's more mainstream in how the "front of the book" is so established and clearly laid out. Throughout, its features are easily decipherable owing to section headers like "Backstage," "Book reviews," "Trends," etc. The larger features are also printed in English. The blog is translated by Google from Greek, so again, go easy on its fluidity.
Published: Biannually
Have other striking publications to offer magazine connoisseurs? Leave them in the comments below.
Festival style has evolved over the past few years. Attendees used to dress according to the mood of the festival; now it's about fitting the mood of your favorite headlining artist. Paulina Valencia and Maria Julia showed up to Day One ready to party with Charli XCX. Photo by Kenn Box
Despite the unusual weather, Elena Hobbes managed to make a classic boho outfit work with some practical footwear. Photo by Kenn Box
If you couldn't tell from the first few images, sequins were all over the festival grounds. Caeil Hwang styled herself in an asymmetrical sequined top and some moto boots with a western flare. Photo by Kenn Box
If you remember the 2000s, then you'll remember the Canadian tuxedo was a style staple. Flash forward two decades and it seems to have made its return, now with a more modern and structured fit. Maria Dupont styled herself in her best denim set for the utmost comfort. Photo by Kenn Box
Christian Hatley showed up to Day Two of the festival prepared and stylish. Photo by Kenn Box
Bringing the mid-2020s party girl vibe, Nidhi Kashyap's look is not only trendy but functional.Photo by Kenn Box
Camo and baby pink is always a cute pair! Deanna Harris is throwing it back to the Y2K era with her cropped graphic tank top and mini skirt. Early 2000s meets country chic in this look. Photo by Kenn Box
It's easy to focus on recreational festival-goers' style, but what about those there to work? Photographer Ryder Cavazos showed up to take some photos in style this year. Photo by Kenn Box
ACL Fest fashion has always had a hint of playfulness to it. Kenley Dunawai sported a South Park mini skirt paired with a black tank top. Photo by Kenn Box
Festival-goers don't need to reach out for Coachella and Marfa; Austin has its own sense of style. Luke Bame's camo shorts and fur vest are a prime example of what Austin's youth are wearing currently. Photo by Kenn Box
"Whismy" is a word that's been trending for quite some time now, and it's the perfect one to use for Audrey Dahlkemper's ACL Fest fit, from her printed rain boots to the tulle skirt.Photo by Kenn Box
Neutral tones are here to stay. Sara Chaney rocks a pair of sturdy Doc Martens to help her trek through the muddy grounds.Photo by Kenn Box
Vintage pieces are a staple in Austin. Andrew Silvas was seen sporting a vintage graphic tank and a classic pair of denim pants on Day Three of the festival. Photo by Kenn Box
Carrington Joseph puts a fun twist on the denim trend with her denim vest. Of course, the look isn't complete without her beaded accessories. Photo by Kenn Box
Negin Nekoonam is the effortlessly cool girl in her white dress accessorized with mud.Photo by Kenn Box
The psychedelic rave combo is one of the best subcultures in ACL Fest street style. Jamison Schilling had the defining countercultural look — though it may become mainstream as the festival begins to book more rave-friendly DJs. (And how about that muddy ombré effect?)Photo by Kenn Box
Graphic tees, camo, and Hunter boots formed a combo seen all over the grounds. Hayley Sherman was spotted wearing all three in the most stylish manner. Photo by Kenn Box
Comfort was key this year. Chantel Smith managed to style comfortable pieces into a cohesive and unique look. Photo by Kenn Box
Trucker hats are making big waves in fashion at the moment. Arden Loss is seen wearing an "I Heart Hot Dads" trucker hat paired with a floral babydoll dress. Photo by Kenn Box
The best festival fits make good use of accessories, and Ashley Galvan is the queen of accessorizing. Photo by Kenn Box
For Baylee Tincher and Peter Jones this year, style was about attitude and performance.Photo by Kenn Box
The protective footwear micro-trend will go down in ACL Fest history.Photo by Kenn Box