By Gaia Giordani. Cover image MUSE Magazine IG courtesy.
When you think of the term “fanzine” you might envision amateur publications like DIY school journals. However, it’s much more than that. One notable example is the Miu Miu Literary Club. Directed by Miuccia Prada, it’s hosting an all-female empowering reading event in Milan that focuses on amplifying women’s voices.
It’s a bold example of how luxury fashion brands are redefining the concept of “zines”, picturing a landscape filled with visions, creativity, and inspiration.
Fashion Brand Fanzine: how the Become the Ultimate Cult Objects of Desire
In a similar vein, Anthony Vaccarello is curating Saint Laurent Babylone, a former Saint Laurent store in Paris that has been transformed into a space for discovering rare books, magazines, and vinyl records thoughtfully selected by the creative director of the brand. This venue is open to the public and frequently hosts readings and DJ sets.
Accessibility is essential, but a little marketing won’t hurt either. Take Bottega Veneta’s editorial project featuring four limited-edition fanzines launched alongside new collections. These fanzines collaborate with artists and photographers to explore the creative themes behind the designs and concepts. For a limited time, the magazines were available for free in Bottega Veneta stores, and, as you can imagine, there were long queues outside the shops to get these coveted publications. Now, if you’re lucky, you can find them in bookstores worldwide, including Libreria Bocca in Milan, Cahier Central in Paris, Strand in New York, Tsutaya Books in Tokyo, and other select locations from Dubai to London.
Another noteworthy project is BUTT magazine, which focuses on queer culture and has been supported by Bottega Veneta since 2022, along with Air Afrique and Magma.
High-end brands are known for having a soft spot for glossy paper magazines. Dior Magazine, published by the cult creative agency Baron & Baron, has become an object of desire. Loewe Magazine is a real work of art featuring numerous interviews and editorials. Limited copies of each issue are available in stores and tend to vanish quickly, snapped up by dedicated customers and collectors.
Indie Mags with a “Zine” Attitude
Independent fashion magazines take a raw, DIY approach reminiscent of fanzines with unique visuals, messy layouts, and references to subcultures. They often focus on very specific and niche trends, which can sometimes alienate mainstream audiences. A real catch for those with an appreciation for art and fashion!
Coffee Table Magazines that You Can Add to Your Collection of Fashion Brand Fanzine
Self Service magazine, a Paris-based fashion and culture biannual, is a catch!
Muse Twenty 2005/2025 Fanzine is a special-edition “archive” magazine created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of MUSE Magazine. It features all the muses that were photographed in various editions over the past two decades.
Buffalo Zine is recognised for its unconventional approach to fashion photography and styling, embracing the belief that “Serious fashion mags are over”.
Toiletpaper Magazine, a provocative editorial project by artist Maurizio Cattelan and photographer Pierpaolo Ferrari, blurs the lines between art and fashion with a striking visual style.
Are you into very niche subcultures? Join the 8-Ball Community, an artist collective based in NYC that embraces DIY publishing and has a strong affinity for art and fashion. Aiming for a more minimalistic approach with a pop twist? Uniqlo UT Magazine shows the brand’s more artsy and street-culture limited collections, along with lifestyle trends, all presented in a zine-like aesthetic.
Are You a Fanzine Junkie?
You can find indie magazine shops, art bookstores and local concept stores, as well as art bookshops and galleries that focus on niche and artistic publications. Independent fashion publications are also a valuable source of inspiration about the local art scene and emerging design trends. They often feature interviews with local artists and highlight venues that host festivals and exhibitions.
