This issue seems to have reclaimed some of the inaugural issue’s bravado (of being a competent lil sis to Emmanuelle’s superior leading VP big sis, of course). The cover doesn’t do the feature fashion story “Rebirth” justice with it's awful flat lighting-- because the story's lighting is rich and thick with mood. The story is exactly that brand of all-mood and cozy, laid-back attitude I’ve adored about Scandinavian/Eastern European fashion publications-- where they’re true to the spirit of their culture rather than desperate to be another global representation, and in the process, lose any mark of identity and personality (like Anna’s and Edward’s Vogues).
The other two fashion stories are serviceable, and should excite those that are into that very 80-minimalism that I&V did so well back in the mid-90s for The Face magazine, and Emmanuelle’s perfected for her Miss Vogue. But the standout— and unfortunately, only 3-pic feature “Sweet Carolina (de Maigret)” is all kinds of gorgeous: Styling, photography, subject and all mood. More of this, please.
Hope one of the regulars that dutifully post to share will bother with this issue. It’s very solid and deserves some love.