Indra Aziz
The iconic cultural publication, The Face, has officially announced its closure, marking the end of an era for a magazine that has profoundly shaped conversations in music, fashion, and youth culture for decades. The news, long rumored on social media platforms, was confirmed by the publication in a poignant statement, revealing that its current issue, featuring artist Robyn on the cover, will be its final print edition. This decision brings a definitive close to the magazine’s second act, which began with a highly anticipated relaunch in 2017.
A Legacy of Influence
Founded in 1980 by Nick Logan, The Face quickly established itself as a groundbreaking publication. In an era when the influence of music and fashion was becoming increasingly intertwined, The Face provided a vital platform for emerging artists, designers, and subcultures. Its distinctive visual style, sharp editorial voice, and willingness to push boundaries set it apart from its contemporaries. The magazine became synonymous with the pulse of youth culture, documenting movements from the New Romantics and acid house to hip-hop and grunge with an unparalleled aesthetic sensibility. Its pages were a canvas for photographers like Juergen Teller and Corinne Day, and it provided early exposure to global icons before they reached mainstream stardom.
The original run of The Face lasted until 2004, leaving a void in the cultural landscape that was keenly felt by its dedicated readership. The magazine’s influence, however, continued to resonate, with its archive serving as a testament to its enduring impact on visual culture.
The Relaunch and Its Ambitions
The decision to relaunch The Face in 2017 was met with considerable excitement, signaling a potential revival of its influential legacy for a new generation. The relaunch issue, famously featuring Harry Styles on its cover, immediately signaled the publication’s intent to bridge its storied past with contemporary cultural relevance. The move was backed by media conglomerate Wasted Talent, with the stated mission to not only honor the magazine’s iconic heritage but also to capture the zeitgeist of the present moment.
The editorial team behind the relaunch articulated a clear vision: to create content that inspired positivity and offered a counterpoint to often bleak global headlines. Their ambition was to express the spirit of youth culture in all its diverse and dynamic forms, seeking out stories from every corner of the globe. The magazine’s statement highlighted its commitment to exploring diverse locations, from London and New York to Kingston, Kyiv, Lagos, Gaza, Seoul, and Salford, underscoring a desire to reflect a truly globalized youth culture.
The Road to Closure
The period following the 2017 relaunch was characterized by a steady output of visually striking covers and in-depth features that sought to engage with contemporary music, fashion, and art. However, like many print publications in the digital age, The Face navigated a challenging media environment. The increasing dominance of digital platforms, shifting advertising revenues, and evolving reader consumption habits have placed immense pressure on the traditional magazine model.
Speculation about the magazine’s future intensified in the days leading up to the official announcement. Social media buzzed with rumors, with many users anticipating the current issue might be the last. This heightened online discourse reflected the deep connection many felt with the publication and their concern over its potential demise. The confirmation of these rumors, while perhaps not entirely unexpected given the industry climate, has nevertheless been met with widespread disappointment.
Official Statement and Acknowledgements
In its official closing statement, The Face expressed its profound gratitude to all those who contributed to its journey, both in its original iteration and during its recent relaunch. The statement read:
"After initially running from 1980-2004, we relaunched in 2019 for a new era. The mission was to honour the magazine’s iconic legacy while making people feel excited to be alive at this specific moment in time. We hoped THE FACE might express some positivity for the future, no matter how bleak the headlines can get.
We’re taking this opportunity to thank every member of staff who has worked at THE FACE over the last seven years, as well as all the photographers, stylists, writers, videographers, producers, PRs, advertisers, agents, couriers, and readers who have made invaluable contributions.
And an extra special thank you to all the people who’ve inspired us – by throwing a party, experimenting with style, picking up a mic or raising a placard. We searched for stories everywhere, from London and New York to Paris, Kingston, Kyiv, Lagos, Gaza, Seoul, and Salford. We found that the spirit of the youth is as powerful as ever.
Relaunching THE FACE was a daunting job, and it was a life-affirming honour. For those of you who will shape the future of culture media, we hope you tell your stories with the energy and nuance they deserve.
We’ve got a few more beautiful covers to drop in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned.
And remember: nothing comes close to THE FACE."
The statement’s emphasis on the "spirit of the youth" and the diverse geographical reach of its content underscores the magazine’s enduring commitment to its core principles. The acknowledgement of "a few more beautiful covers to drop" suggests a carefully curated conclusion, allowing readers to experience the magazine’s signature aesthetic one last time.
Industry Context and Implications
The closure of The Face is another significant event in a broader trend of challenges facing print media, particularly those focused on niche cultural areas. While digital platforms offer new avenues for content creation and distribution, the financial sustainability of high-quality, visually driven print publications remains a persistent hurdle. The advertising revenue model, which historically supported many magazines, has been significantly disrupted by digital advertising and the rise of social media influencers.
The loss of The Face is not just the end of a magazine; it represents the disappearance of a distinct cultural touchstone. For many, it served as an essential guide to understanding and participating in youth culture. Its ability to identify and amplify nascent trends, coupled with its distinctive visual language, made it an indispensable resource for creatives and cultural commentators alike. The magazine’s influence can be seen in the work of countless artists, designers, and writers who were either directly inspired by its pages or gained early exposure through its platform.
The challenges faced by The Face are indicative of broader shifts in media consumption. Readers increasingly engage with content across multiple platforms, often favoring short-form, easily digestible material. While The Face attempted to bridge this gap with its online presence and digital content, the core of its identity was deeply rooted in the tactile experience of a beautifully produced print magazine.
Looking Ahead
As The Face prepares to release its final issues, the cultural landscape will undoubtedly feel its absence. The magazine’s legacy, however, is secure. Its archives represent a rich historical record of youth culture and artistic innovation. The impact of its editorial vision and aesthetic contributions will continue to be felt.
The statement’s concluding sentiment, "nothing comes close to THE FACE," is a powerful encapsulation of its unique position. For those who shaped and consumed its content, the magazine offered a singular experience, a curated window into the dynamic and ever-evolving world of culture. Its closure serves as a somber reminder of the delicate ecosystem of print media and the enduring challenge of sustaining influential cultural voices in an increasingly fragmented media environment. The hope expressed for future cultural media creators to tell their stories with "energy and nuance" resonates as a poignant farewell, urging forward the very spirit that The Face so effectively championed.
