Mayfair was a British men's magazine known for its provocative nude photography, but it also had a broader mission to provide insight into the world of sex and desire. Beyond pictorials, Mayfair included regular columns that covered topics like relationships, sexual health, and lifestyle advice. These features helped ground the magazine in everyday concerns of its readers, making it more than just a collection of erotic photos. Such content also reflected evolving cultural conversations about sex and intimacy, positioning Mayfair as a magazine that could engage readers intellectually as well as visually.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Mayfair launched, society was undergoing major changes in attitudes towards gender roles, sexuality, and relationships. Women were gaining greater independence and economic power, while the sexual revolution encouraged openness about sexual practices and desires. This created new opportunities for magazines like Mayfair to explore these subjects in depth. In addition to its pictorials, Mayfair offered articles on sexual positions, safe sex, birth control, and other issues related to sexual health. It also featured interviews with celebrities, advice columns, and articles on dating and romance.
The relationship column "Ask Annabel" was one of Mayfair's most popular features. Written by psychotherapist Annabel Giles, this column addressed reader questions about everything from infidelity to body image issues. Giles offered practical advice based on her experience working with clients, often drawing on psychological theory to explain why people act the way they do. Her insights resonated with many readers who may have felt isolated or ashamed of their own sexual struggles.
Another regular feature, "Life After," focused on divorce and single life after a breakup. The article explored the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges of starting over alone and offered tips on how to build a successful post-divorce life. It provided much-needed support and reassurance to those going through difficult transitions.
Mayfair's lifestyle columnists also wrote about clothing, home decor, food, and travel - topics that appealed to men interested in maintaining an attractive appearance and living well. This content helped position Mayfair as more than just a magazine for casual browsing but rather a resource for self-improvement and personal growth.
By presenting a diverse range of content beyond mere erotic photography, Mayfair sought to engage its audience on multiple levels. Its writers were skilled at combining provocative imagery with thoughtful analysis, making it a true innovator in the world of men's magazines. Although it eventually folded due to changing market conditions, Mayfair's influence can still be seen in modern publications that balance explicit material with insightful commentary on sex and relationships.