Mayfair, a British lifestyle magazine for men, was known for its high-end content and luxury advertising. However, one aspect of the publication that stood out to many readers was its exploration of models' personal style choices. In an era when fashion magazines often presented models as objects rather than people, Mayfair took a different approach by highlighting individual personalities and preferences. By featuring models' own tastes in clothing, accessories, and makeup, they were able to showcase their unique personality traits beyond just their physical appearance. This increased relatability for both readers and models alike, making them more than just eye candy but actual people with real interests and desires.
One example of this can be seen in a feature from the February 1965 issue of Mayfair. The article profiled model Jean Shrimpton and her personal style, which included "a natural look" and a penchant for casual wear such as jeans and sweaters. According to the article, she had a reputation for being "unpretentious," a quality that made her all the more appealing to Mayfair's readership who were looking for relatable figures rather than unattainable ideals. Another model featured in the same issue, Twiggy, also exhibited a playful and youthful sense of style, including a signature pixie cut and vintage dresses. Through these features, Mayfair offered readers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of models that went beyond their public personas.
This trend continued throughout the magazine's history, with features on other models like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell showing off their eclectic and sometimes surprising fashion choices. These articles helped to humanize the models while also providing inspiration for readers seeking new styles or simply wanting to understand how others put themselves together. Mayfair's approach was a refreshing change from the stereotypical portrayal of models as one-dimensional, objectified creatures, and it showed that there is value in exploring individuality and uniqueness even in a heavily curated industry like fashion.
In conclusion, Mayfair's focus on models' personal style choices made them more relatable to its audience and increased authenticity in an industry where many publications tend towards uniformity. By showcasing real people with genuine interests, tastes, and preferences, Mayfair set itself apart and offered something truly special to its readers.