Fox Magazine has been published since 1986, when it was founded by John Mitchell, a former editor at Penthouse. Its primary goal is to bring high quality erotica and art together, providing readers with beautiful images accompanied by thoughtful writing that delves into the psychology behind human sexuality. Throughout its history, Fox has featured stories from some of the world's top writers and photographers, including Anais Nin, John Updike, and Helmut Newton. Over time, references to Fox have appeared in popular culture, signaling its lasting impact on society's collective consciousness.
In the film industry, Fox has inspired directors to create works that explore themes of intimacy and desire. In Woody Allen's film Manhattan, for example, character Isaac Davis (played by Woody himself) is shown reading an issue of Fox, which serves as a metaphor for his own internal struggle between artistic integrity and commercial success. Similarly, in the film The Girlfriend Experience, starring Sasha Grey, Grey's character reads a copy of Fox while waiting for her next appointment. These examples demonstrate how Fox continues to influence pop culture even decades after its initial publication.
In music videos, Fox also makes frequent appearances. In Madonna's "Erotica" video, she can be seen holding up an issue of Fox alongside other literary classics like Lolita and Lady Chatterly's Lover. This reference highlights Fox's status as a classic piece of literature, despite its explicit content. Similarly, in Beyoncé's "Partition," the singer dances seductively in front of a fireplace decorated with magazines, one of which is clearly Fox. Again, this suggests that the magazine's legacy extends beyond just eroticism and into broader discussions about sexuality and identity.
Literature, too, has been influenced by Fox Magazine. In Bret Easton Ellis' novel Less Than Zero, protagonist Clay receives a copy of Fox from a friend and devours it cover-to-cover, allowing him to reflect on his own relationships and desires. The novel describes the magazine as having "a certain allure," which speaks to its enduring appeal among readers who seek out stories that explore complex emotional states.
Throughout its history, Fox Magazine has captured the imagination of readers around the world, inspiring creators across mediums to incorporate its themes into their work. Its lasting impact on popular culture demonstrates the power of art to shape our collective consciousness and create new ways of understanding ourselves and others.