10 Indie Fashion Magazines You Should Know
long live the magazine
Who can resist the nostalgic charm evoked by magazines like FRUiTs or Rookie? As a girl and pre-teen, I obsessed over magazines like J-14 and Tiger Beat (for the free Jonas Brothers posters), would secretly steal copies of my sister’s NYLON collection because I desperately wanted to escape childhood and be a teenage girl, and beg my mother for a Teen Vogue subscription just to look at clothes I could never afford. But once I had the freedom (or enough rebellious spirit) to discover independent magazines on my own, a whole new world was unlocked. The art of writing and curation was no longer limited to the Walgreens news stand and I found spaces where my growing niche interests were represented in indie mags, like FRUiTS, Rookie, Cry Baby, and more.
We can remember these magazines and even refer back to them for a healthy dose of nostalgia and inspiration, or to go back to our style roots, but there are also so many incredible indie mags currently paving the way forward in the world of fashion and magazines. A lovely TikTok commenter asked me for a few recommendations on modern offbeat magazines, so as the humble public servant I am, I’ve compiled the following list of indie fashion magazines currently in circulation:
Sustainable Baddie
Not technically a magazine, but I think still a great resource for fashion news and inspo. Sustainable Baddie is a digital platform dedicated to imperfect sustainable fashion and living. I think sometimes “sustainable fashion” is given the rep of being very beige, but SB’s goal is to make it fun, colorful, and creative! If you’re into conversations around sustainability, vintage, and secondhand or need recs to support ethical brands and small creators this is the page for you. Also, I am a staff writer, content producer, and socials manager for SB so check us out if you’re interested in more of my writing!
Frutas
I was introduced to Frutas through the comments section of my FRU!TS video and I’m so glad I was. Inspired by the original FRUiTS Magazines, Frutas is a Chicano magazine that focuses on the Latine community of Los Angeles. It’s also Latina-owned and operated!!! They’ve released five issues so far and also have a Patreon you can support.
The Sanxtuary
The Sanxtuary magazine, a 100% BIPOC and LGBTQ+ run publication, fills a void in the fashion world by providing a safe space for marginalized creatives. Their vibe is very much digital forest fairy. They’re committed to celebrating fashion and beauty and offer unfiltered, unapologetic, and original content directly from diverse perspectives in the industry.
Dekopon!
Dekopon! magazine, named after a cultivar of orange known for its easy peel and shareable nature, explores art and fashion through the lens of love and craftsmanship. Founded in Santa Cruz, California with a focus on fostering a loving relationship between individuals and garments, Dekopon! prioritizes financial accessibility and inclusivity, driven by a team of creatives from diverse backgrounds.
Azeema
Azeema is a print publication, online platform, and creative agency, and is a powerful exploration of the strength and creativity of women and non-binary individuals from the Global Majority. Azeema amplifies the voices of its community, challenges representation issues, and has been recognized as Independent Magazine of the Year by Fashion Trust Arabia and listed on the DAZED 100.
BRICKS
Based in London, BRICKS is an independent print publication and online platform that delves into social-political issues within fashion, music, arts, and culture. The magazine has forged connections between emerging creatives in fashion and art and world-class talent, while also amplifying the voices of the new generation, including climate activists, BLM organizers, and trans rights activists.
Primadonna Zine
Primadonna Zine is an NYC-based magazine that blends the power of print with the force of self-expression to shape a brighter, more inclusive future for the fashion, culture, and wellness of tomorrow. With a belief in the strength of collective individualism, Primadonna Zine provides a space where everyone can unapologetically be themselves, inspiring individuals through fashion editorials to express their unique voices and foster a creative revolution.
Office
Established in New York City in 2014 as a print magazine, Office has evolved into a global media network that takes an unconventional approach to fashion and creative culture on a broad scale.
Polyester
Polyester Zine is a self-published intersectional feminist arts and culture publication that connects the realms of online cyberfeminism with the tangible world. With a mission to bridge this gap, Polyester Zine serves as a platform that transcends the virtual and real.
Voir Magazine
Voir Magazine is a free digital fashion publication that curates fashion, beauty, and cultural content through both an online space and quarterly issues. Since 2013, embracing the digital movement, Voir has celebrated diversity and female empowerment and guides conversations for the next generation of women who dare to be different.
What are your favorite indie fashion magazines?