Self (magazine)

Self (magazine). A prominent American women's magazine, it was launched in 1979 by Condé Nast as a publication focused on health, wellness, and personal growth. It distinguished itself by emphasizing a holistic approach to women's lives, covering topics from fitness and nutrition to career and psychology. The magazine evolved over several decades, adapting to changing cultural trends before ceasing print publication in 2017 to continue as a digital brand.

History

The magazine was conceived by Phyllis Starr Wilson, a former editor at Vogue (magazine), who served as its founding editor-in-chief. Its inaugural issue in January 1979 featured actress and model Margaux Hemingway on the cover, signaling its focus on vitality and self-improvement. Throughout the 1980s, under editors like Valerie Weaver, it became known for its authoritative coverage of the emerging aerobics craze and the health food movement. In 1997, Condé Nast sold the title to Gruner + Jahr, the publishing arm of Bertelsmann, before repurchasing it in 2000. A significant redesign occurred in 2005 under editor-in-chief Lucy Danziger, who shifted its focus toward fitness and weight loss. The final print issue was published in February 2017, after which its parent company, Condé Nast, transitioned the brand exclusively to digital platforms under the purview of its sister publication, Glamour (magazine).

Content and features

The magazine's core content revolved around health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle, presented through service-oriented articles and expert advice. It was famous for launching the "Self Challenge," a popular annual fitness and nutrition program designed by its editors. Regular features included workout plans developed with trainers like Tracy Anderson, nutritional guidance often citing the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and beauty tips featuring products from companies like L'Oréal and Estée Lauder. The publication also covered mental health topics, relationships, and career advice, frequently profiling influential women such as Michelle Obama and Serena Williams. Its aesthetic combined vibrant photography with accessible, data-driven journalism, often incorporating findings from institutions like the Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association.

Editors and contributors

A succession of notable editors shaped the magazine's voice and direction. Following Phyllis Starr Wilson, Valerie Weaver served as editor-in-chief during the 1980s. Alexandra Penney held the role in the early 1990s, followed by Cindy Leive. Lucy Danziger's tenure from 2001 to 2014 was particularly transformative, emphasizing a strong visual identity and digital expansion. The final print editor was Joyce Chang, who previously worked at Cosmopolitan (magazine). Prominent contributors over the years included writers like Gael Greene, fitness experts such as Bob Greene, and psychologists like Joyce Brothers. The magazine also featured photography from renowned artists like Matthew Rolston and illustrations commissioned from figures in the Art Students League of New York.

Impact and reception

The magazine had a significant impact on the wellness media landscape, particularly for popularizing the idea of the "total woman" who balanced physical health with emotional and professional goals. Its "Self Challenge" initiative inspired millions of readers to participate in structured health programs, receiving commendation from organizations like the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. It was recognized with several industry awards, including National Magazine Awards for its service journalism. However, it also faced criticism, especially in the 2000s, for an increased focus on weight loss and idealized body images, drawing scrutiny from advocates like the National Eating Disorders Association. Its transition to digital-only was seen as a bellwether for the broader struggles of the print media industry in the 21st century.

Business aspects

As a Condé Nast publication for most of its history, it operated within a portfolio that included Vogue (magazine), Glamour (magazine), and The New Yorker. Its advertising base was strong in the beauty, fashion, and pharmaceutical sectors, featuring campaigns from Procter & Gamble, Pfizer, and Nike, Inc.. During its ownership by Gruner + Jahr, it was part of a strategy to expand the German publisher's presence in the United States market alongside titles like Parents (magazine). The decision to end print publication in 2017 was part of a larger restructuring at Condé Nast aimed at consolidating resources and focusing on digital growth, moving its operations under the Glamour (magazine)

Category:American monthly magazines Category:Condé Nast publications Category:Magazines established in 1979 Category:Magazines disestablished in 2017 Category:Women's magazines published in the United States