GQ is gearing up for a relaunch from next January under the leadership
of its new editor, Angus MacKinnon.
However, contrary to recent reports, it will not be ditching its sex
coverage.
The revamp of the men’s lifestyle magazine, published by Conde Nast, is
an attempt to ‘bring out the Conde Nastness’ of the title, according to
MacKinnon, and to capture readers outside its traditional 25- to 40-
year-old target audience.
MacKinnon is keen to stamp his personality on the magazine, to increase
its visual impact and to offer the reader better signposting throughout.
Sex coverage will continue, according to MacKinnon, who said: ‘We live
in a world where sex sells, but I’m not interested in the magazine being
offensive.’
From next year, it will be reorganised in the form of three modules. The
first will cover arts and entertainment. The second, centre section will
contain features but no ads and will carry a major profile. MacKinnon
said it would offer a mix of photography, illustration and typography.
The third module will group the magazine’s fashion coverage for the
first time. There will be an in-depth interview with a fashion designer,
followed by six or eight pages of smaller features, trend-spotting and
‘Ways to wear’ spreads, with the traditional fashion coverage. The
magazine will end with its Body and Soul health section.
Separately, Caroline Connor is to become the ad director of GQ’s rival,
Esquire.
