The Fox is Black

  • I think we all love an eye-catching magazine cover. And usually, illustrator Chris Ware is one of those artists who does bring a unique angle, tapping into something that’s happening in the world that really resonates in a touching way. The New Yorker tapped Ware for their Thanksgiving cover this week, and unfortunately they’ve decided to play into a tired trope.

    New Yorker Magazine, 2023 Thanksgiving Cover, Art by Chris Ware


    We’ve already seen this concept with Ware’s iconic Halloween cover back in 2009, which at the time, felt like a sign of things to come. It was the rise of smartphones, of mobile devices starting to be more ever-present. In 2023 though, everyone has a phone. They’re engrained in our lives, we often use phones to stay connected to those who are distant, who we can’t see everyday, and who want to share our lives with. This cover is giving big boomer energy. Also, can we talk about the arms of the two people in the foreground? What the hell is happening there?!

  • In February 2020, editor Saul Taylor envisioned a groundbreaking magazine for the travel industry. Despite the unexpected disruptions of that year, we now celebrate the realization of that vision with the arrival of Sablos magazine. Led by Taylor, formerly of Wallpaper* and Monocle magazine, Sablos brings together a diverse network of influential figures who are actively shaping a more creative, positive, and responsible world. With their expertise in writing, photography, and illustration, these contributors, spanning the globe, proudly support established creatives while nurturing emerging talents.

    Sablos’ debut issue is filled with captivating interviews featuring inspiring individuals who play a pivotal role in travel and have deep connections to their cherished destinations. It’s funny, I was actually reminded me of the bars Sips here in Barcelona, the third best bar in the world, thanks to Sablos. If you enjoy traveling, eating, and discovering new places in the world, you’ll definitely appreciate what they’re doing.

    Sablos Magazine
    Sablos Magazine
    Sablos Magazine
    Sablos Magazine
  • The New Yorker released an immense article by Rachel Syme profiling American fashion designer Thom Browne and his slow burn career and the world he’s built. It’s a really great read, he has such a unique mind and POV, and honestly, he’s probably the most inventive American fashion designer. What adds even more emphasis to the story are the accompanying photos shot by the never-boring duo of Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari.

    Cattelan and Ferrari have such a unique, oddball point-of-view of the world, which really does feel like it has a kinship to what Browne is doing. Which manifests in these hyper-real (their distinct style) editorial that gives a Looney Tunes feeling to suits and garments that cost thousands of dollars. It’s absurdism at it’s best, rather than falling into a realm of being corny or trendy. I hope they collaborate on more projects.

    Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari Photograph Thom Browne for The New Yorker
    Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari Photograph Thom Browne for The New Yorker
    Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari Photograph Thom Browne for The New Yorker
    Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari Photograph Thom Browne for The New Yorker
    Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari Photograph Thom Browne for The New Yorker
    Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari Photograph Thom Browne for The New Yorker
  • A collaborative project between design studio FISK and Brown Printing, JOON Magazine was created show their love of Portland, and to show all the exciting things happening in the city’s art scene with as many people as possible. The most recent issue is dedicated to a special edition catalog featuring Kurisu LLC, a world-renowned landscape and design-build firm, and which they describe as “rooted in a simple yet impactful vision to create restorative experiences where natural places give way to individual and collective wellbeing.”

    In addition to the magazine, they’ve put together this beautiful documentary which gives a look into the meaning and process behind the work. I follow Japanese Garden TV on YouTube, who I’ve written about in past newsletters, so this is very much alley. I do my best to tend to my little plants around my apartment, this is totally the next level.

    JOON Magazine - Kurisu - FISK