Twin: Better Than One

Twin magazine, which launches in London on November 5, is the intellectual equivalent of the slow food movement. A hard-backed, bi-annual book-style magazine conceived by London’s top editors, it’s a thought-provoking, intellectually-nurturing meal for the mind.

Headed by Becky Smith, the founder and ex-creative director of romantic cult magazine Lula, with British Vogue‘s Aimee Farrell, a founding member of the Voguettes, British Vogue‘s DJ squad, as the features editor, it has the right pedigree. The debut issue includes articles by poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, Miranda July, Seb Pantane, Garance Doré and Sam Winston, and features a profile of Ryan McGinley alongside shoots by Dazed & Confused alumnis Mari Sarai and Carlotta Manaigo. I pitched in text for an exclusive spread of Dublin-born photographer and filmmaker Niall O’Brien’s profile of a punk gang in London, along with an interview with Christina Kruse on her satirical surreal self-portraits. Twin isn’t particularly concerned with trends. Instead, the intent is to provide a showcase and forum for work the editors consider worthy. Like-minded subjects will be paired up for interviews or presented in juxtaposed profiles.

Art editor Francesca Gavin, who is also an editor for Dazed & Confused and Elle UK, explains: “I think [Twin] is walking a balance between accessible and inspirational. Its not super pop but its not overtly conceptual. There’s something more thoughtful about the work we’re showcasing… I think magazines have an amazing opportunity to become forums to show artwork, in the same way as a gallery or museum. I’m playing on that by including specially curated projects in magazine exhibitions by curators–a way to look at contemporary art in a fresh way not just as profiles of the next big thing. Books and magazines are an amazing way to interest someone in art without the discomfort of stepping foot into a private gallery. It is away of making artwork public.” (LEFT: FRANCESCA GAVIN)

Smith concurs, “Twin is strong, sensual and independent…It offers considered and uncomplicated art and fashion. Substance over surface is our motto.”

Still, the surface contains substance. Of the covers, Smith said, “The idea behind them is that they are very anti-design. No face ‘selling’ the book–just a logo alone. Quite dangerous, I think, but it fits with the ‘book’ idea, rather than another magazine.”