The first issue of InStyle Australia has been unveiled, marking a new era for the iconic magazine.
The inaugural issue of the digital monthly publication, which features First Nations musician Thelma Plum on its cover, was celebrated at a dinner on Thursday the 7th of April, hosted by editor-in-chief Justine Cullen. Guests included beauty entrepreneur Zoe Foster-Blake, Paralympian Madison de Rozario, consent activist Chanel Contos, presenter and podcaster Lilian Ahenkan, champion boxer Harry Garside, The Daily Aus editor Billi FitzSimons, beauty influencer Rowi Singh, writer/performer Moreblessing Maturure, author Bri Li, and stylist Julianna Yao.
Cullen, who was announced as InStyle Australia’s editor-in-chief last month, said the title had evolved from a celebrity style magazine to a publication which celebrated the thought-leaders and game-changers influencing the cultural zeitgeist.
“The ethos of the new InStyle is ‘Everybody’s In’ with the purpose of celebrating the many and varied people who are truly in style today, and those who are shaping the look of tomorrow,” she said.
“For the very first issue of the reimagined InStyle, we’re excited to have gathered together such a diversely talented group of people to bring this idea to life, and as we continue, we’re committed to focusing on inclusive storytelling and championing talent with substance and a message to share.”
The event was photographed as a fashion editorial by photographer Chris Searl, which will feature in the digital issue.
The inaugural cover was shot by LA-based, Filipino-Australian photographer and filmmaker James J Robinson, widely celebrated for his work unpacking representation.
“This commitment to a new direction and such a wonderful team really excited me: playing between building off the pre-existing brand image and being given freedom to reinterpret it was a dream. And no better person to take a step like that with than Thelma Plum,” said Robinson.
“I’ve been a fan of Thelma’s music for some time. I often think about her song Homecoming Queen where she reflects on never seeing faces like hers on magazine covers growing up. Both her physical voice and her cultural voice are operating on a completely different level to the rest of us.”
The April issue of InStyle Australia is now available to view on the magazine’s website.
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