The end of my grueling fall 2011 semester at SFSU is finally here. After pulling an all-nighter with Björk, Jónsi, and Robyn, I finished my in-class history final this morning and presented a final project for Beth Renneisen‘s Publication Design and Graphics (JOUR 450.01) class.
“OMBRE is a limited-run A4 magazine format publication that’s also readily available in a digital format and interactive iPad edition.
The OMBRE title plays on hombre, informal Spanish for man, juxtaposed by its corrupted English spelling as ombre, a European card game known for its ‘difficult rules, complicated point score, and strange foreign terms.’
Based in San Francisco, OMBRE targets modern-urban menswear from around the world with contributions from global guest-editors. The publication’s duty is to serve the resurgence of gentlemen’s fashion by modernizing it with distinctive artistic direction, playful graphics, and interactive media. Community-based features from around the world highlight design innovation and craftsmanship, as well as vintage archives.
OMBRE is published in limited editions six times a year (February, April, June, August, October, December) along with an interactive online magazine for web browsers, mobile devices, and iPads. In order to access any and all exclusive content, teasers, and issue previews, readers must register with OMBRE’s web site. Digital editions and iPad downloads, as well as extended content from the each issue, are featured on the web site for users who pay a $20/year subscription fee. The limited edition prints are available for paid subscribers; they receive the collectible hardcover print issue two weeks in advance of the digital release at $100/year, including unlimited access to online content and downloads.”
“The magazine will launch as a non-profit side project by volunteer journalism, fashion, and menswear enthusiasts in San Francisco, as well as contributing cities around the globe. All revenue is pumped back into production and web hosting.
Our target reader is somewhere between the ages of 18-65, passionate about creativity in menswear, beginning to get comfortable with sharp tailoring and sacred vintage, or already the proud owner of a well edited wardrobe.
OMBRE features exclusive content and editorials in collaboration with independent businesses and designers around the world. Staple features include in-depth profiles on menswear artists, renowned stylists, and vintage specialists. After all, these are the people that know what trends have already come and gone, are keen on the value of quality craftsmanship, and are able to look back at the origins of menswear in comparison to the vast trends they inspire today.”
