Let the Feasting Begin

I feel a little bit like Dr. Samir Husni, known as "Mr. Magazine", who is the author of "Samir Husni's Guide to New Magazines", the founder and director of the Magazine Innovation Center at the University of Mississippi's Meek School of Journalism as well as a professor and lecturer at the University's School of Journalism. As far as magazines go, this man has the chops.

My research project was less expansive. The goal was to calculate the total pages of the September 2014 editions of the leading fashion magazines. Not included are the special issues of "T" (the New York Times supplement), "Vanity Fair" or "New York Magazine" (both devoted to fall fashion and style), "People Style Watch" (fun but not ready for prime time), the niche magazines (such as "Teen Vogue" or "Essence"), all the foreign publications and any ink spilled about the upcoming Fashion Week (which will really be about next spring).

Here's what I've got: 3,866 pages. 

And because I know you care, here's how it breaks down:
170   Lucky
374   Glamour
452   Marie Claire
642   Harper's Bazaar
664   Elle
708   InStyle
856   Vogue

Did I figure how much of that are ads and how much editorial? Of course not. The two go hand-in-hand. Without one you don't have the other. That's math Dr. Husni understands.

What we do have is a feast of epic proportions, not to be ingested at one full swoop, but not to be picked at either. I'm gearing up for the banquet. When all is said and done, I'm sure we'll be served a few familiar dishes, with some old favorites not at the table. There may be the fashion equivalent of molecular gastronomy (interesting but can you wear it?). Hopefully it will be a balanced meal and one that won't leave us with indigestion.