Purely Magazine is a publication devoted entirely to erotica, specifically focused on high-quality photography. It began in 1998 when its founder, Jim Harrison, had a vision for creating something unique in the world of adult magazines. In an interview with Playboy Magazine, he explained that his goal was to make Purely "a magazine that explores sensuality and desire from both an artistic and cultural perspective." He wanted to create something beautiful, provocative, and tasteful – something different from what was available at the time. To achieve this, he sought out some of the best photographers in the business, including Helmut Newton and Robert Mapplethorpe. These artists helped him capture images that were visually stunning while still remaining true to their subject matter.
Harrison's success came quickly; within months of launching Purely, it became one of the top-selling magazines on newsstands across America. The combination of excellent photography and innovative layout made Purely stand apart from competitors like Playboy or Penthouse. Its focus on beauty rather than explicitness allowed readers to enjoy their reading experience without feeling guilty about what they were seeing—something many mainstream publications couldn't offer at the time. This approach also appealed to those who might not typically pick up an erotic magazine but could appreciate great photography or art direction.
The content inside each issue followed suit with Harrison's vision for elegance and style. Instead of focusing solely on nudity or sex acts themselves, writers used language that evoked emotion rather than just arousal. They wrote stories about passionate encounters between lovers or intimate moments shared between partners - all presented through beautiful imagery. Readers felt transported into these scenes without being bombarded by overt sexuality every page turn. It wasn't long before other adult magazines began imitating Purely's formula - creating similar publications focused on artistic sensuality rather than just pornographic gratification.
Purely remained ahead of its competition because of its dedication to quality above all else – something that continues today under current editorial director Carmen de Lavallade. She ensures that every photographer featured in the magazine meets strict criteria before being approved for inclusion, ensuring only the best possible images make it onto its pages. This commitment has kept Purely relevant even as digital media has taken over much of the adult industry, proving there will always be room for high-end erotica when done right.