PMR: X Summer Mini Issue

The second issue of X magazine was released during our very own fashion weekend last summer, which explains the reasoning behind the lack of reviews on the blog itself. As the magazine front sits quietly on Stardoll, I decided to being you all a more recent past magazine review post, as I delve into the details of X's Summer 2013 edition. Remember that in a magazine, instead of putting the page numbers, I will use brackets. The cover is [1/20]. This magazine contains 20 pages.

Cover: 7.5/10 I'm almost a text critic when it comes to magazine covers on Stardoll. As important as the cover graphics is, I think interesting and well set out titles can really make or break the opening page. In this case, the cover is strikingly simple. The pops of blue from the poncho and the yellow from the text really shine through on this almost mediocre graphic for X.  

Graphics: 8/10 All the graphics in X are undeniably pretty top notch, although we weren't treated to particularly many this issue. The obvious stand out is the Be You graphic [18/20], which really highlights Jack's phenomenal artistic presence. Although this is a mini issue I was still slightly disappointed with the lack of graphics in the issue, with only 5 full graphics making it to the final cut.

Writing & Articles: 10/10 Although the graphics are stellar, the articles are where X really stands out from most other magazines of the current time. Articles and writing have become far less popular in the modern day Stardoll magazine and X is one of few magazines to keep the original tradition running. There are multiple articles on Mexican fashion, Frida Kahlo and feminism, which are all written wonderfully. 

Editorials: 7/10 I enjoy the trend report shown in the magazine, but I feel that it does not work well with the edition only being a mini issue. In a full magazine I would be fine with it, but in the mini it leaves me wanting more - which I suppose is what every magazine intends to do, so props for that. Other than the trend report there are no other editorials. It's a mini issue sure, but please give me some of that graphical goodness!

Creativity: 8.5/10 On a whole I thoroughly enjoyed the Mexican inspired route Jack decided to go down for the issue. The bright colours really worked, and it was an interesting blend of simplicity and brights. I particularly enjoyed the colour blocking used on page [16/20] as it reinforced both the magazine's theme and the strong ideas in the article. 

How did this magazine score?

 41 out of 50 points, at 82% or B+

Final Comment: On a whole this issue of X magazine achieved what it set out to do, but I feel that not every aspect works with the concept of the mini issue and a few extra pages to beef up the magazine slightly would have made a huge difference to the overall feel. "More editorials" is not usually a comment I could imagine myself giving to this particular magazine so I am sure that this flaw is a mere one issue thing which will be corrected more than happily in the next issue. 

TTT, what did you think? Agree or disagree? Comment!

X III

Every magazine will one day come to an end, and the third issue of X finalises its legendary take on Stardoll in its most intriguing issue yet. Cover model Keshan takes centre stage, with an interview focusing on the intimate topic of her androgyny and personal pursuits. Venturing further into the magazine you begin to notice that X is no longer your every day Stardoll magazine, but rather a genuine online fashion magazine covering multiple controversial subjects that every other Stardoll magazine has been scared to write about in the past. This issue successfully manages to provoke thought on the well written and structured articles on the topic of war against ourselves and the gender binary, alongside an article on Céline, which slots in perfectly to X's polished and minimalist approach. It is needless to say that the final issue of this magazine is the perfect ending to its time on Stardoll and the legacy of X will undeniably leave its mark on Stardoll forever.

★★★★★★★★★★

MAGAZINE 2: X

Magazine 2 has been released, check it out at Haus of X by clicking here.

Review: X Magazine

How very... Scandalous. 

Dear readers, what we are about to witness is the return of stylish, sexy graphics that are both eye-catching and thought provoking. Yet, on its face, X Magazine seems like the epitome of what a Stardoll magazine should be: but is it? Let us weigh it on the TTT scale and see. As always, remember instead of putting page numbers, I use brackets, for example, the cover is [1/27]. This magazine contains 27 pages.

Click HERE to view X Magazine in a new window & follow my commentary.

Graphic Design: 8.5/10 X establishes a simplistic, monochromatic theme from the cover through to the end. Sometimes, monochrome is the worst possible idea to do because it is too boring- yet X has succeeded in making it work, and I love it. And I mean, love it. From the Chanel ads [3/27] to the editorial [11/27] (and may I say, nice collarbones? Gorgeous!) I am in love. Yet, the X "Trend Report"'s cover graphics [13/27] made me cringe a little bit. Also, the nun's habit does not even touch on fashionable, sorry [21/27]. Coupled together, it's a great start, but could be worked on: may I suggest a little better curating next time?

Fashion Editorial: 8/10 I will go ahead and assume your "Balenciaga" article [9-12/27] is the X version of editorial. It's a novel idea, I like it. Lets roll with it. I love the graphics, as commented on above, the writing is good, yet as a magazine you are facing a problem many other magazines don't: you don't have enough pictures. There are not enough pieces to make this a fashion editorial. Instead of one full outfit, think two or three. Although, all together, I like the idea and I think it is a creative way to not only educate your readers, but also create a magazine that looks to the future.

Trends Shown: 8.5/10 I really like how X broke the trend down into different pieces, however, I feel two or three trends could have been done in this section. One outfit, 3 pages [14-16/27]? My complaints end there, however. I like it. I like the running commentary, I like the outfit, and I think it fits beautifully into the theme X has established here. Good work.

Creativity: 9.5/10 I've seen more creativity in this magazine than any other in awhile. From the new approach on fashion editorials, to the trend breakdowns, to the unique graphics and the creative theme, it's really very good. And, at the end, I love "Controversy" by AislinVictory, [24-25/27]. Simply from the creativity aspect in it, it establishes an idea that magazines can make people think once more: not just mindless catalogues of clothing. This magazine has many interesting articles and themes, I could just swoon.

Writing Style: 8/10 This is where it gets tricky. Historically, I haven't critiqued writing much because other magazines simply do not have any writing whatsoever. This time, I'm faced with the dilemma: there are so many articles, which one should I read? I am selecting a random article, and I am reading "How Religion Influenced Fashion" [21-22/27]. All articles in a magazine should be carefully edited and picked at before publication, correct? So every article in the magazine should be of similar caliber and quality. Here we go: I think the concept is great. I've never thought about religion influencing fashion before: this article is original as it can get. Yet, the author makes a point I cannot quite follow along with at times, and seems to lean towards off topic at a certain point "they take these ideas and inject them into their runway shows almost as a brainwashing scheme..." what? The author makes these interesting points: now show me the facts. Which designers? Which collections? Which year? You gave me the why- how?

How did this magazine score?

42.5 out of 50 points, at 85% or B

My Final Comments: Congratulations X Magazine! I don't think I've given out a B all year! Excellent job all around, and I can see you need to fix some of the details, but I also can see myself giving you possibly an A or A- next time around. Improvements, sure, but you have come pretty close to perfect. I'd say you are in the lead to be the industry's standards.

What do you think TTT?

Check back SUNDAY to read my review on the new Vogue Magazine!!

Release: X Magazine

X Magazine, created by Jack (queendetox), has released it's highly anticipated debut Spring 2013 issue.  The issue is very minimalistic featuring articles on Balmain, religions influence on fashion, a trend report, and an interesting interview with the covergirl Tania (cooldeer123).

The issue has already been dubbed 'better than Vogue' and 'the best magazine of 2013' so I highly recommend checking it out by clicking the image/cover above.

Exclusive: X Spoiler

I present to you an exclusive spoiler of the highly anticipated magazine X just for the eyes of the TTT readers. I can also exclusively reveal that the magazine is due for release in the next 7 days. Keep your eyes peeled for the magazine which you can visit here. What are your thoughts? Excited about the upcoming release?