Mayfair is an iconic British men's magazine that was founded in 1965 and became one of the most popular and widely circulated publications of its kind until it ceased publication in 2007. Its combination of high-quality photography, luxury advertising, and sophisticated editorial content made it a staple of newsstands and bookshops across Britain for decades. Despite featuring nude models, Mayfair avoided being labeled as hardcore pornography due to its focus on sensuality and artistic presentation. The magazine had a broader appeal than many similar publications because it offered more than just titillating pictures; readers could also find interviews, reviews, and fiction related to fashion and lifestyle topics. This blend of content gave the magazine a unique identity that set it apart from other adult magazines, making it accessible to a wider audience and allowing it to remain on shelves where explicit material would have been banned. Mayfair's approach to eroticism was not without controversy or criticism, however, and its status as a mainstream publication has recently come under scrutiny. Nevertheless, the magazine remains an important part of British cultural history and continues to be referenced by fans and critics alike.
In terms of visual style, Mayfair's photographers worked with a variety of formats, including black and white, color, and even Polaroid film. The images were carefully composed and often shot against exotic locations such as the French Riviera or Hawaii. Models posed in various states of undress while wearing expensive clothing and jewelry, creating a sense of glamour and aspiration. In addition to featuring famous celebrities like Brigitte Bardot, Marilyn Monroe, and Raquel Welch, Mayfair featured lesser-known models who became known for their work with the magazine. Their names included Samantha Fox, Marie Anne-Bouvet, and Linda Lusardi. All of these women are considered iconic figures in the world of men's magazines and have inspired countless imitators over the years. Despite the explicit nature of the content, Mayfair avoided showing full-frontal nudity or depicting sex acts directly. Instead, it focused on the sensuality and intimacy of touch, pose, and lighting, creating a more subtle and suggestive atmosphere than many other publications. This approach allowed it to avoid legal problems that might have resulted from outright pornography but still appealed to readers looking for titillation and fantasy fulfillment.