Luis Venegas, the Madrid-based publishing phenom behind the magazines Fanzine137 and Electric Youth, introduced the world to Candy in November 2009, billed as the world’s first “transversal” (a catchall for transvestism, transsexualism and androgyny) style magazine. Renowned for its exquisite editorials and photography (as well as a roster of high profile contributors that is the envy of style editors around the world) the fourth issue of Candy has just arrived on store shelves with FEELguide Queen Tilda Swinton as its mindblowing cover girl.
Entitled “The Extra Extravagance Issue”, photographer Xevi Muntane captures the glamour goddess in what easily ranks as my favorite cover and editorial in as long as I can remember. Also contributing to the issue is Steven Klein with an erotic portfolio exploring masculine romance with a sci-fi twist, and as MODELS.com writes, “We’re sure this is the first male pregnancy editorial you’ve ever seen.” David Armstrong also commemorates the shots Nan Goldin took of him and Juan Gatti for the issue. For Tilda’s stunning editorial, Xevi Muntane collaborated with creative director and stylist Jerry Stafford of CLM London. Odile Gilbert of L’atelier(68) is the wizard behind the hair, Lloyd Simmonds of Agence Carole is genius behind the make-up, with manicurist Akiri Sugino of Artlist Paris and style consultants Laurent ‘Lola’ Mercier & Louis Heel rounding out the stellar crew. The New York Times sat down with Candy editor Luis Venegas back in November 2009 during the launch of the magazine’s first issue and you can read the full profile by visiting NYTimes.com. The Times also profiled Candy’s 2nd issue which featured James Franco in drag on the cover, photographed by Terry Richardson himself. You can also visit Luis’s website at ByLuisVenegas.com.
Venegas is a brilliant creative force to be reckoned with, and as Industrie Magazine writes, “Just when everyone was preparing for fashion print publishing’s dying breath, Luis Venegas has reacquainted the industry with his love of hard-to-find magazines, [proving] that fashion publishing has a healthy future if it serves a niche of fellow enthusiasts.” Luis, you are officially my own personal extra extravagant hero! For all the best stories from the magical world of Tilda Swinton be sure to visit Tilda Swinton on FEELguide, and to visit the site of photographer extraordinaire Xevi Muntane simply head over to XeviMuntane.com.
