Fashion mags seeing DVD makeovers

Say goodbye to glossy photos and two-dimensional spreads – as of last December there’s a new… Say goodbye to glossy photos and two-dimensional spreads – as of last December there’s a new sheriff in the town of fashion magazines.

“Fly DVD,” a creative compilation of film, music, art and fashion inspires fashionistas not only to see but also to hear this innovative “motion picture” magazine. Showcasing fashion films, interviews and documentaries, “Fly DVD” arouses viewers in ways that traditional magazines aren’t able to.

Because my ears are always turned toward talk about anything remotely fashionable, I knew “Fly DVD” would be right up my alley. And with clips entitled “Rivulet,” “Lucifer’s Milkmaid” and “First Contact,” I was suckered into downloading all the episodes onto my iPod.

My only qualm was that I didn’t know what to expect; all I knew was that iTunes told me it is a limited-edition fashion magazine on DVD and that I should probably brace myself for brief nudity. Great.

But, much to my surprise, “Fly DVD” wasn’t an assortment of commercials disguised as a fashion film, it was more like a sophisticated take on fashion – almost like a talking lookbook, or a live catalogue.

While there is a bit of nudity, the three-dimensional features of “Fly DVD” are nowhere near fashion porn – it’s animated, hip and is complete with up-to-the-minute styles displayed with amazing flair.

“Fly DVD’s” first issue, the Zero Issue, has more than 90 percent original content, so you aren’t bombarded with the useless advertisements that seem to take over fashion magazines these days.

Sure, eventually the styles displayed in the issues will get old, but you can treat it like a movie and revel in watching models actually showcase the clothing as they bring the designers’ styles to life.

Although there isn’t a storyline with celebrities as main characters, “Fly DVD” features designs by top designers such as Marc Jacobs, Cloak and Yves Saint Laurent, so it’s almost like seeing your favorite styles become actors.

I found “Fly DVD” to be perfect for those who like to keep old magazines as reference points. When I was younger I kept every single Seventeen magazine I ever purchased. One day I finally counted them and I have a grand total of 57.

“Fly DVD” is compact, so you won’t have to worry about yellowed, fire-hazardous, sky-high stacks of paper.

And if you’re really into art and keepsakes, the covers of Fly’s Zero Issue were designed by artist Ryan McGiness and will soon be available for sale at select retailers in London, New York, Toyko and Berlin.

Even though “Fly DVD” offers more than traditional fashion magazines, you’ll be sure to pay for what you get. You can purchase the Zero Issue on DVD with more than 140 minutes of content for $45 – a far cry from Vogue’s $3.99 and Elle’s $3.50 monthly issues.

If you won’t be in New York or Tokyo anytime soon, the full Zero Issue is available at www.insidefly.com or, if you’re frugal and want to get a sneak peek at the first issue, you can download the Fly Podcast and view miniature segments on your iPod Video, mobile phone or any other media player you choose.

Getting suckered in like myself?

Get excited, because in “Fly DVD’s” next issue, brace yourself for ready-to-wear styles from Louis Vuitton, Jean Paul Gaultier and Burberry.

Don’t have time to download “Fly DVD” onto your iPod? If you happen to run into Deena on campus, she’ll be more than happy to show you her Fly clips. E-mail her at dmc18@pitt.edu.