A few months ago when I was doing research to start up my blog I was shocked at the lack of quality media I found catering to women who love both style and sustainability. I wondered if there would ever be a time when we, the Glamorous Green, would have our own magazine: a journal dedicated to the very best of eco-friendly clothing, design, cosmetics, and activism.
Then last week, I checked my email and my heart skipped a beat! I received a press release from a public relations company in New York which announced the forthcoming launch of boho, a magazine that is dedicated to the most important development in the fashion industry in the last 100 years: Sustainable Style.
boho is not only about green style--it walks the talk in every aspect of its creation and publication. The magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper, using biodegradable soy-based inks. The result is stunningly simple: a magazine that is both easy on the eyes and on the environment. While other magazines depend on flimsy, glossy pages, boho is a substantial journal with a real depth to its artwork and photography. Full page layouts of high fashion, along with feature articles about amazing women, and lots of fun tidbits covering everything from cosmetics to relationships; it is both genuine and sophisticated in every respect.
Naturally (no pun intended), I had to find out more. So I arranged a phone interview with the editor-in-chief, Gina La Morte to get the inside scoop on this fantastic new development for the world of eco-fashion. La Morte is a real-life fashion guru, not just a word nerd. She's the founder of the TheStyleDoctor.com, and has been a professional stylist for years, featured prominently on television and in magazines for her talent.
"What about the girly girls?" she asked, echoing my own sentiments. "Women who love the environment can love fashion, too. A boho reader is a woman who supports earth-friendly causes and is also a beauty brat. She has a social-conscience but doesn't apologize for wanting a new pair of pumps. boho is for women of all ages who are eco-conscious without being eco-militant."
"I have dreamed of having a magazine since I was five-years-old, and I've been working on boho for a year. We are preparing to launch on August 12 and we'll be available at Whole Foods, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Universal/Hudson News, and Anderson News along with a few smaller distributors."
According to La Morte, a boho woman is, "Free. Radical. Independent. Her only fear is convention; her only weakness, shoes! I really tried to capture the new American spirit with this magazine. I love Europe and the international fashion scene, but I think America will lead this fashion revolution. The spirit of non-conformity and optimism is very American."
The magazine is obviously the result of a very clear vision. It is, in a word, impeccable. The design, the photography, the writing, the concept--all combine to create something so beautiful it is hard to believe it is so revolutionary. Larger magazines with huge budgets and established readership should hang their heads in shame. boho has managed to change the world of fashion publishing--doing what everyone thought couldn't (or shouldn't!) be done--with their very first issue.
boho is officially on newsstands August 12, and subscriptions are offered only through their website at a rate of $34.95 for 12 issues. (Leaving out those nasty subscription card inserts is another effort to stay green). bohomag.com will eventually have a blog and other fantastic online resources to go along with their regular distribution.