What I Want

What I really really want

If you are new here, hello! I am Nadya Wang, an entrepreneur and academic. I run From the Margins, which comprises From the Margins Education, cultural agency Front & Off-Centre, as well as magazines Art & Market and Fashion & Market. My book Her World, Women and Fashion in Singapore 1974-1989: Accidental Career Girl to Working Mother of the Year is out now. My Substack, From A to Zig-Zag, is where I share glimpses of—and reflections on—what I get up to as an entrepreneur, academic and more.

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Hello! Thank you for reading.

This past week, I have been thinking about what I want from a fashion-focused magazine. What makes it good, what makes it mid (as my kids say), and what makes it… lacking? I ask this as a reader first and foremost, informed by my other roles of researcher, editor and educator.

I would like to be educated and entertained. I would like to be edutained. Write me compelling stories short and long, offer me how-to step-by-step guides, entice me to buy fun things, and give me beauty.

What makes it lacking is regurgitation/replication/repetition. Because then there is no point of view and little reflection of what is going on in a particular place at a particular time. That makes for lethargic advancement of discourse. And what makes it mid is satisfaction with the status quo, or providing options that have overstayed their welcome.

When I was a teenager, I would buy Cleo, to feel adult—and for freebies—and Teen Vogue to feel cool, and connected to a bigger world . I mailed square cut-outs on the back of envelopes with my particulars to try my luck at winning things. (My best prize was a Katherine Hamnett watch!) And I rubbed many a perfume patch on my wrists before going out with friends. I would borrow Vogue and Vanity Fair from the library to immerse myself in texts and images that were faraway yet familiar. And of course I have spent a long time studying old issues of Her World.

I want formula and I want originality. Is that too much to ask? I want the magazines to strike the sweet balance of escape, practical tips, authoratative information and dreamy possibilities. And don’t forget the free stuff!

Promised Picture

It was going to be another week without an image… but this morning, after a long wait, I received copies of my book:

So now the book is tangible, and I will organise events around it. Would you like to attend? Let me know!

Places I’ve Been

• A sliver of Next in Vogue, which spurred my reflections in this newsletter.

• Singapore Oceanarium with the kids. I did not know about seadragons and they are mesmerising.

• Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures at the Peranakan Museum.

• Hermès: The Silky Way. I enjoy the beautiful whimsy of Hermès experiences.

• Temple by Tuan Andrew Nguyen on the roof of National Gallery Singapore. I recommend visiting after 5 when there is no direct sunlight, and before the space closes at 6. The meditative soundscape is enhanced by a cool breeze.

The last three were for media previews. One of the best things about being a member of the press, particularly art press, is the early behind-the-scenes access to wonderful projects. Heart. I will be writing the next newsletter on a press trip to a Place I’ve Not Been.

Till then!

Nadya

Currently listening to zig-a-zig-ah, post Victoria Beckham on Netflix: