Our friends over at Ala Champfest magazine recently released the 6th issue of their wonderful magazine. Being a semi Melbourne based title, we’ve followed its evolution very closely, and get all hot and bothered when a new issue is eminent. We spoke to Joanna Kawecki, one half of the sisterly duo (Monique Kawecki being the other) that founded the magazine, asking her our 10 questions.
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mn: What is your magazine called?
jk: Ala Champfest Magazine
mn: What is it about?
jk: Curiosity and investigations into creativity and cultural insight.
mn: How often is it published?
jk: It is published twice per year, from January-June, and July-December.
mn: What inspired the creation of Ala Champfest?
jk: We love magazines and all printed matter, as we are so fascinated with that happening around us that we wanted to create a medium to share with others too. We travel a lot, meeting amazing people and discovering impressive work – we’d just like others to know and be inspired by it too!
mn: Can you tell us about your production values?
jk: Print Ain’t Dead, it’s far from it. There’s a strong appreciation for the tangible object, the sensorial experience and longing of personal connection in our overwhelming digital lives. We want to share our curation of brilliant creatives around the world from artists, photographers, architects, designers and talented enthusiasts.
mn: Why have you chosen to have your publication printed in England, rather than following the current trend of having your magazine printed in China?
jk: We’ve formed a wonderful relationship with our British paper supplier and printer, so it’s turned into a really brilliant communicative and enjoyable process of paper stock selection! From access to their new textural stocks, to selecting and curating certain features in our magazine for gloss or matt.
This is something we take pride in, to compliment the craftsmanship of the creatives featured in our magazine, with the artisans who produce the physical work of our pages!
mn: I understand that the other editor , your sister Monique, resides in Europe. Does this make it easier or more difficult to produce each issue?
jk: Its really amazing that we love to live in different cities, travel has become so accessible and affordable that its a pleasure to meet in another city and coincide it with new features and content. Every travel together is for the mag. Design-wise and communication-wise, Skype has certainly made things so much easier. We trust each other alot which makes things easier to get done faster! To just get on with an idea without any deliberation or unnecessary back and forth.
jk: What should someone opening a copy of Ala Champfest expect?
mn: To be expected consistently, is a genuine and knowledgeable investigative insight into creative culture of art, design, architecture, fashion and culinary quests from international leading creatives in their fields. We have a fine list of contributors around the world, with their fingers on the pulse to collaborate on the most fascinating content. From our favourite stylists and photographers for our custom editorials, to fantastic writers and passionate Champ fam in the know.
mn: Which other magazines/publications have most influenced you?
jk: i-D and Mono Kultur, amongst many others! And it is the hard working people behind them that has also really ultimately inspired us. However, looking through our old copies of I-D from ’99, it’s incredibly impressive to see their still-relevant editorial shoots of beautiful photography by emerging photographers and stylists who are now respectfully established. They were so forward-thinking in terms of their content and featured persons. They knew exactly who would blow up!
Mono Kultur is fascinating due to their high calibre of production, from the in-depth dialogue with the issues’ selected interviewee, to the presentation of their print. Sissel Tolaas’ edition presented synthetic smells from her investigative exhibition with Nick Knight, and Taryn Simons’ special edition enclosed little prints to coordinate yourself to the pages. How did they think of this! Simply amazing.
mn: What do you think the future holds for Ala Champfest?
jk: To reach many more issues to come, and be the go-to for international culture and knowledge – to celebrate youth and having fun.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Issue #6 of Ala Champfest is available for purchase at all mag nation stores and online.