Nylon (magazine)
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| Nylon (magazine) | |
|---|---|
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| Title | Nylon |
| Category | Fashion, Culture, Music |
| Frequency | Monthly (print ceased 2017) |
| Publisher | Nylon Holding Inc. |
| Firstdate | 1999 |
| Country | United States |
| Based | New York City |
| Language | English |
Nylon (magazine) is an American periodical founded in 1999 covering fashion, music, film, and pop culture with an emphasis on youth and independent scenes. Launched in New York City, it became known for mixing coverage of Madonna, Kurt Cobain, Rihanna, David Bowie, and Björk alongside emerging designers and underground musicians. The title cultivated relationships with institutions and events such as Coachella, South by Southwest, Met Gala, CFDA, and Paris Fashion Week while developing a digital presence that engaged audiences across platforms.
History
Nylon was co-founded by entrepreneurs connected to the Village Voice and New York Press scenes, launching amid the late-1990s intersection of indie music exemplified by Nirvana and indie fashion signaled by designers like Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen. Early issues featured profiles of figures such as Courtney Love, Gwen Stefani, Kurt Cobain, and Winona Ryder while aligning with venues like Bowery Ballroom and festivals like Lollapalooza. Throughout the 2000s the magazine navigated industry changes driven by conglomerates such as Condé Nast and Hearst Communications, faced competition from titles like Vogue, Rolling Stone, and Dazed, and responded to the rise of platforms including Myspace, YouTube, and Tumblr. In the 2010s ownership and structural shifts involved private equity and media groups comparable to moves at Bustle Digital Group and Vice Media, culminating in the cessation of regular print publication and pivot to digital-first operations.
Editorial profile and content
Nylon’s editorial approach blended features on celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, and Taylor Swift with profiles of designers like Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo, Virgil Abloh, and Rick Owens. Coverage included music scenes tied to artists like Adele, Frank Ocean, Chance the Rapper, and Sia alongside film and television subjects tied to Netflix, HBO, and A24 releases. The magazine’s culture pieces referenced institutions and award ceremonies including Academy Awards, Tony Awards, Grammy Awards, and Emmy Awards. Editorial voice often positioned Nylon within networks connected to creative hubs such as Chelsea, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and SoHo while reporting on brands including H&M, Zara, Uniqlo, and Gucci.
Design, photography, and fashion influence
Nylon developed a visual identity influenced by photographers and stylists linked to publications like Vogue and i-D, commissioning shoots with photographers who worked with Steven Meisel, Annie Leibovitz, and Nick Knight-style aesthetics. The magazine promoted models and muses related to agencies such as IMG Models, Ford Models, and Elite Model Management and spotlighted figures including Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Naomi Campbell, and Liu Wen. Editorial spreads incorporated influences from designers shown at New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week, contributing to trends adopted by retailers like Barneys New York and boutiques in neighborhoods connected to Melrose Avenue and Carnaby Street.
Digital expansion and multimedia
As digital media evolved, Nylon expanded into multimedia platforms embracing technologies and services represented by Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and streaming tied to Spotify playlists and branded video projects. The outlet experimented with podcasts and web series akin to offerings from NPR, Pitchfork, and The Guardian’s digital desks, collaborating with music labels including Atlantic Records, Def Jam Recordings, and XL Recordings. Partnerships with festivals and experiential programming connected Nylon to live events such as CMJ Music Marathon, Bonnaroo, and brand activations at retail partners including Sephora.
Circulation, business model, and ownership
Nylon’s print circulation grew from niche beginnings to newsstand presence competing with specialty titles sold through distributors like Condé Nast channels and independent bookstores including Barnes & Noble. Revenue streams combined traditional advertising from luxury advertisers such as Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and direct-to-consumer campaigns with digital advertising, sponsored content, e-commerce integrations, and events. Ownership and investment rounds reflected wider media consolidation trends involving private equity analogous to transactions by Elliott Management and media groups similar to Refinery29’s investors, with restructurings that mirrored shifts at legacy and digital-native publishers.
Notable contributors and cultural impact
Nylon featured writing and visual work from journalists, photographers, and creatives associated with outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Pitchfork, and The FADER. Contributors included profiles of musicians such as Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Eminem, Ariana Grande, and Billie Eilish while fostering early exposure for designers and models who later collaborated with houses like Balenciaga, Prada, Dior, and Saint Laurent. The magazine’s cultural influence extended into television and film tie-ins with studios including Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, and Paramount Pictures and shaped conversations within creative industries connected to institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art and its Met Gala programming.
Category:Fashion magazines Category:Magazines established in 1999