Listography: Magazine Love

Here at Assemblage, we both have quite unhealthy addictions to magazines. For me, it began with the discovery of Lula magazine (with issue 5, to be precise), and has now evolved into a fully fledged obsession with impeccably designed publications. Read on for my round-up of the best independent, alternative magazines around.

1. Kinfolk

The Grandaddy of the alternative magazine circuit, Kinfolk has matured into an extensive lifestyle brand (Ouur), that covers apparel, events, books and lifestyle products alongside the original cult magazine. I've heard tantalising rumours that an accompanying magazine is currently in the works. Each issue is based around a loose theme, with recent issues including the Imperfect issue, the Saltwater issue and the Home issue. With a clean and minimal layout and the perfect balance of content (50:50 well-written articles and awe-inspiring photographs), it's no wonder that it is at the top of its game.

2. Cereal

Akin to Kinfolk, Cereal has a simplistic aesthetic that translates from the pages of their print publications to their Guided by Cereal travel guides (hosted online and on Instagram). Each issue is split into three main chapters that focus on three places in the world. These destinations are then explored throughout a series of photo essays and unusual articles. Case in point: issue 7's focus on New York includes a celebration of the Lincoln Centre, a collection of photographs of the best places to brunch and a magnificant view into innovative concept store, The Apartment by the Line.

3. Ernest

 

I discovered the first issue of this little gem whilst searching for a pint sized magazine to pop in my suitcase that would keep both myself and my boyfriend entertained as we travelled from Hungary to Croatia. I'm now eagerly awaiting the arrival of issue two. The publication divides itself into neat little sub-sections that cover pretty much everything I am interested in: Inventory (self descibed as "a smorgasbord of well-spun yarns, curious artefacts, inventions and cool things to collect"), Curious Histories (as diverse as a profile on the prolific scientist Nikola Tesla and ancient myths detailing sea monsters), Spaces (both indoor and outdoor), Workmanship (think, forgotten skills), Adventures (issue one details an epic trek of Iceland), Timeless Style and Wild Food. If you love to explore and spend time outdoors and have a curious disposition; this one is for you.


4. Cherry Bombe

This biannual magazine primarily focuses on women and food. You might think that's quite niche and not really your thing - but, trust me! It's full to the brim with beautiful photographs and interesting features, celebrating the entire process of the food that we eat. Even if you're a nightmare in the kitchen, like me, you'll find it hard not to fall in love with the relatable articles and the interesting women that they interview. You might even be inspired to put on a pinny and get to grips with a bag of cookie mix.

5. In Clover

There's currently only one issue released of this new magazine, but it's already up there on my favourites list. Refreshingly, In Clover is print only, with a minimal online presence restricted to a blog and Instagram feed. Created by Bryony Hipken as a final year university project, for those who still love print, In Clover was carried out of the classroom and onto the carefully selected shelves of magazine retailers across the country with the help of two friends who now function as Art Director and Creative Director. Expect a love of the great outdoors, foraging, cooking, exploring, dining, photographing and travelling.

6. Oak The Nordic Journal

Again, just a fledgling publication (issue 2 has recently been released), Oak is possibly best described as the Scandinavian version of Kinfolk. Hailing from Copenhagen and focusing on all things scantilisingly Nordic, Oak covers topics as diverse as The Royal Danish Ballet, an informal interview with Rene Redzepi, an account of a journey to the very edges of Norway and an essay on the beautiful, alluring yet elusive Nordic light. All of the articles are extremely well informed and accompanied with typically beautiful photographs. It will also make you wish you were Scandinavian.

7. The Plant Journal

Gardening is seeing an upheaval at the moment. It is currently hip to fill your apartment with plants (cacti, succulents and yukkas if you're really trying hard) and to grow your own vegetables and herbs in your garden/window box. Enter, The Plant Journal: part gardeners-guide, part informative articles detailing how gardens grow and part beautifully shot photographs of the natural world.


8. Yen

 

Heralded as the thinking girl's lifestyle magazine, Yen takes all of the elements that you'd expect to find in standard women's monthly glossies and adds attitude. Expect profiles on celebrities who are actually interesting (Lena Dunham and Tavi Gevinsson grace the covers of the two issues I own), articles on music, films and books that actually make you think and features on local Australian talent - alongside all of your fashion, beauty and travel needs.

9. Another Escape

It seems like all good things are coming out of Bristol these days. Another Escape is based in this creative hub, but takes it's content beyond the UK and sells us daydreams of far-flung places and creative individuals. Expect articles detailing the lives of bamboo bicycle builders and Korean papermakers.

10. Tiny Atlas Quarterly

 Another first issue to add to my collection, Tiny Atlas has been around for some time online and have recently published their first printed annual. Split into four sections named after the four seasons, a series of photo essays based around travel are accompanied  by tips on where to stay, where to eat and where to shop. It's easy to get swept away and start making a list of all the places that you'd love to visit. 

(Disclaimer: the following are magazines that I have not yet read, but that I would love to get my hands on)

Love/Want

Wilder

Gather Journal

Golly

Nourished Journal

-Emma