The treasured art of magazine-making is a genuine labour of love. Indie zines—often faced with a lack of readily-available funding, logistical hold ups and dwindling interest in slow journalism—are created only by those that truly believe in the work they are doing. In Singapore, a small but impressive community of creatives are keeping this art alive, with self-started magazines dedicated to nearly any topic conceivable, from fashion to food.
The founders and teams behind these publications piece together each treasured story and issue with great heart—and readers are infinitely better off for their efforts. The Slow Press, a zine focused primarily on food, takes an unconventional approach to culinary stories. The dedicated small team behind the project—as well as loyal contributors—produce thought-provoking cultural pieces with food and drink at their centre. In its latest issue, find an article dissecting the infamous Blue Spin—a highly potent cocktail that has earned its reputation in Singapore’s club scene.
Elsewhere, the first two issues from indie fashion publication Magazine for Young Girls have presented local and regional fashion stories that platform voices that often go unheard in mainstream fashion media. From subversive shoots that challenge conventions of beauty to vulnerable essays on mental health, the zine is a valuable addition to the local fashion scene.
For cutting-edge political journalism and social commentary rooted in Singapore, turn to Jom, a weekly literary magazine spanning written content, photo essays and podcasts. With the courage to ask important questions that enliven our civic participation, the fiercely passionate team behind Jom represent great hope for what quality journalism can look like in Singapore.
Here, find the full list of local zines that are worth adding to your reading diet any day.
1 / 5
Magazine for Young Girls
Don’t let its name fool you—Magazine for Young Girls will prove to be a fulfilling read for anyone. Rather than a limiting factor, the indie publication’s use of the term ‘girl’ is meant to serve as the starting point for an exploration of the female gaze in fashion. Through subversive shoots, intimately written stories and close collaborations with up-and-coming artists and image-makers, the zine presents a distinctively fresh point of view on fashion, centred primarily in Southeast Asia.
2 / 5
Science of the Secondary
Part-social experiment and part-research document, Atelier Hoko’s Science of the Secondary series embodies a trait only the best zines possess: an obsession with the seemingly mundane. Each issue spotlights a humble, often-overlooked object—from the egg to the clock. Using a wide range of disciplines from design theory to biological science, the magazine presents these objects in new exciting lights, encouraging readers to renew their sensibility towards everyday living.
3 / 5
The Slow Press
The Slow Press puts an unconventional spin on the usual food magazine, offering rich culinary stories that go beyond reviews and recipes. Expect in-depth features and creative photoshoots exploring the myriad ways in which food and drink bind us. In the latest issue, themed ‘Bittersweet’, look out for an especially delicious deep-dive into the cultural cache behind the infamous Blue Spin—a highly potent cocktail that has earned its reputation in Singapore’s club scene.
4 / 5
Jom
As a weekly literary magazine spanning written content, photo essays and podcasts, Jom is Singapore’s fiercely local answer to The New Yorker. Fuelled by the courage to explore stories seldom reported on in Singapore as well as a fundamental belief in quality journalism, Jom covers a wide range of subjects including the arts, culture, business, politics and technology. With a unique ability to cut to the heart of what the city cares about, the e-publication will find a unique place in any modern Singaporean’s regular reading diet.
5 / 5
Seasonings
Delving headfirst into Singapore’s idiosyncratic food culture, Seasonings uses food as a vehicle to serve up timeless stories celebrating our shared heritage. In the next year of the indie zine’s lifespan, each issue will spotlight a single ingredient as its theme, exploring the diverse ways in which it is used and enjoyed by Singaporeans all over the island. In the upcoming ‘Banana’ issue, look out for revelatory interviews with market vendors and hawkers who make their livelihoods from selling banana products, as well as a riveting exploration of the local mythologies surrounding the ubiquitous fruit.
Order your copy of the July/August ‘Reverie’ issue of Vogue Singapore online or pick it up on newsstands now.
