Must-Read Fashion Magazines Every Student Needs: Insider Picks from an Fashion Comms Graduate

As a Fashion Communication graduate from Northumbria University, I can tell you that surviving fashion school without a stack of magazines by your side is basically a crime. During my time at university, I was always flipping through fashion magazines to spark creativity and fuel my passion for the industry. Now that I’m out in the real world, I’ve curated a list of my must-read fashion magazines that every student should add to their reading list. These magazines aren’t just about style – they’re secret weapons for anyone who wants to be in the know in the ever-evolving world of fashion. Ready to level up your student skills and get that first class degree? Let’s dive in!

Beauty Papers – I’m kicking things off with Beauty Papers purely because of that iconic Dua Lipa cover. Let’s be real, who isn’t obsessed with her? Seriously though, it’s a must-have for any fashion student looking for something more daring and thought-provoking. Known for its edgier, more risqué take on fashion, Beauty Papers isn’t your average magazine. It challenges the usual beauty standards and rejects conformity in favour of a liberated, free-spirited approach to fashion and beauty. The magazine isn’t afraid to push boundaries, with stunning photography, provocative interviews, and content from top beauty artists and creatives. It defies society’s obsession with body image and control, making it a game-changer in the evolving world of beauty and positivity.

Beauty Papers was a huge source of inspiration for my Final Major Project at university, where I created my own zine, Lady Love. The zine explored the many faces of womanhood, tackling societal pressures young women face today, with interviews about body image and real talk on self-empowerment. If you’re a fashion student looking to push your creative limits and challenge norms, Beauty Papers should definitely be on your radar.

Fantastic Man – During my time studying Fashion Communication at Northumbria University, we were encouraged to explore the media of magazines by creating our own feature articles, each inspired by a well-known publication. As a teenager, I was surrounded by male friends who had a deep interest in fashion, and that’s what inspired me to go down the route of Fantastic Man magazine. I decided to craft a magazine spread that interviewed a close friend who lives his life with true authenticity. He embraces his love for alternative rock and heavy metal, and I felt his story perfectly aligned with the essence of Fantastic Man. You can purchase your own copy of the bi-annual publication from Unique Magazines and with each page, explore modern manhood through insightful interviews with fascinating men from all walks of life, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be a gentleman today.

DAZED – Since 1991, DAZED has been the OG magazine for youth culture. Bold, fresh, and always pushing boundaries, it’s a publication where art, fashion and captivating interviews collide. Packed with striking photography that grabs you from the first page, DAZED is the ultimate fashion and culture bible for students eager to dive into the cutting-edge artistic scene and gain an understanding in all things style and creative expression. Whether you’re studying fashion or other arts-based courses, I believe that DAZED deserves a top spot on your reading list. 

Rouge Fashionbook – For fashion students looking to explore something beyond the mainstream, this publication is a game-changer. As China’s first bi-annual luxury independent fashion and art magazine, it combines fresh talent from young Chinese artists with global perspectives, offering a unique, Chinese-centric view of the fashion world. The magazine goes beyond aesthetics, challenging the traditional norms of beauty, body shapes, and gender identity, while rethinking the role media and social platforms play in shaping today’s culture. I only discovered this magazine after starting my role at Unique Magazines, but as a fashion graduate passionate about the intersections of fashion, art, and social consciousness, I know this would have been essential reading during my studies.

POP – If you’re seeking a fusion of fashion inspiration and vibrant pop culture, POP magazine should definitely be on your reading list. Known for its eclectic mix, POP effortlessly blends stunning contemporary fashion photography with compelling, opinion-driven articles, exclusive celebrity interviews, and quirky art and design features. As a fashion graduate, I appreciate how POP delivers something fresh and unexpected with every issue, making it a perfect fit for creatively minded students who crave style paired with thoughtful cultural commentary.

Vogue – Vogue UK is one of the most influential fashion magazines globally, offering the latest trends from top designers and iconic brands. This publication is at the epicentre for all things high fashion that every student should have in their toolkit to stay ahead of the curve and gain insight into the future of style. More than just a magazine, Vogue has shaped the history of the fashion industry for over a century, providing exclusive looks at runway collections, interviews with leading designers, and breathtaking photography that sets the tone for what’s *in vogue*.

Unique Magazines offers access to international editions of Vogue, including those from Germany, Japan, France, Italy, Spain, and the USA. Fashion students can gain a fresh perspective on emerging trends by flipping through the pages of the glossy magazine. I believe it’s an essential resource for anyone wanting to stay in tune with the pulse of the fashion world, making it a must-read for aspiring designers, stylists, and creatives alike.

And there you have it!  My top fashion magazines that I think every student needs if they want to stay ahead of the game. Trust me, as a fashion graduate, I know how easy it is to get lost in the sea of trends, but I believe these mags will keep you sharp, inspired, and always in the know. So, ditch the basic mainstream magazines and level up your fashion intel. Who knows, one of these could be your ticket to landing your dream grad job or at least give you fashion cred to flex at your next uni critique. I hope this helps, and keep killing it, future fashion legends!

Words by Jessica Todd