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Nylon (magazine)
Nylon (magazine)
Nylon (magazine)
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Nylon
Nylon magazine cover, featuring Demi Lovato with blue hair in faux-fur.
December 2013/January 2014 cover featuring Demi Lovato
CategoriesFashion
FrequencyMonthly
Total circulation
(2012)		216,466[1]
First issueApril 1999; 26 years ago (1999-04)
Final issueOctober 2017 (2017-10)
CompanyBustle Digital Group
CountryUnited States
Based inNew York City
Websitewww.nylon.com
ISSN1524-1750

Nylon is an American multimedia brand and publishing company, which produces a lifestyle magazine that focuses on pop culture and fashion. Its coverage includes art, beauty, music, design, celebrities, technology, and travel. Originally a print publication, it switched to an all-digital format in 2017. Its name references New York and London, and it is currently owned by the Bustle Digital Group (BDG).[2] In 2023, the magazine announced it would return to print in 2024. It continues to release a print magazine biannually.[3][4]

History

[edit]

Nylon was co-founded in 1999[5] by editorial director Mark Blackwell, art director Madonna Badger,[6] creative director Helena Christensen,[7] development director Michael "Mic" Neumann,[7] and the husband and wife publishing team of Marvin and Jaclynn Jarrett, with an initial investment from businessperson Sam Waksal.[8] The Jarretts, Blackwell and Neumann had previously worked together in the same roles at Ray Gun Magazine. The Jarretts had recently sold their shares in Ray Gun Publishing.[9] According to Jaclynn Jarrett, the magazine's name was chosen because her husband Marvin liked the sound of Nylon. After picking it, they realized that NY and LON could link the brand to New York and London, which was congruent with Nylon's editorial focus in these two cities.[10] The design of the magazine was intended to be "hyper-legible", in an attempt to mitigate against the criticism of Ray-Gun's "chaotic" layouts. The first issue was published on April 6, 1999.[9]

In 2003, Nylon launched its website nylonmag.com (now nylon.com) under the leadership of Ronen Shapiro. Later that year, the digital readership surpassed the print edition and became the center of Nylon's business. In 2005, Nylon was bought by Pennsylvania businessman Don Hellinger.[11] The following spring, Nylon and MySpace collaborated on their first International Music issue. Nylon was freely available online for a time.[12][13] Nylon TV was launched in 2006 with the creation of its own YouTube channel, and by 2014 had 62 thousand subscribers and 62 million cumulative views.[14] Nylon partnered with MySpace in 2006 for its annual June/July music issue. Nine months later, the magazine became generally available online, in digital form in March 2007. Nylon released its June/July International Music and MySpace issue online for free viewing.[15] Marvin Jarrett's editor's letter described it as a collaboration with MySpace, focusing on eight "music and style mecca" cities around the world, featuring the famous White Stripes on the cover, as selected by Nylon's MySpace fans.[16]

Nylon teamed up with Live Nation Entertainment in 2008 to produce its first Nylon Music Tour, headlined by electro-rockers She Wants Revenge.[17]

On its 10-year anniversary in 2009, Nylon made the April 1999 inaugural issue freely available online, including all articles, in scanned form.[18] Later that year, Nylon partnered with iTunes for its annual music issue, which included a free summer playlist download of 22 tracks.[19]

Nylon came together with YouTube in 2010 for its Young Hollywood issue, allowing readers to watch the entire issue. That year also brought the launch of Nylon Dailies, emails written by local writers every day in ten key American cities.[20]

In 2011, then-President Don Hellinger and then-CFO Jami Pearlman[11][21] were charged with operating an illegal money transmission business (for an online casino), unrelated to Nylon.[11][22] They subsequently pleaded guilty to a reduced charge.[23][24]

Nylon joined with Facebook in 2012 for its June/July music issue.[25] 2012 also brought a Summer Music Tour, featuring Neon Trees, sponsored by Starbucks.[26][non-primary source needed] America's Next Top Model announced that Nylon would be its media partner for the show's 19th reincarnation.[27]

In May 2014, Nylon was acquired by a new ownership group, including an affiliate of LA-based investor Marc Luzzatto through Diversis Capital, LLC. The new venture also acquired FashionIndie, with FashionIndie's founders, Beca Alexander and Daniel Saynt, maintaining their titles of editor-in-chief and creative director, respectively. The new owners did not retain publisher Marvin Jarrett. The staff learned of the takeover via the press.[28][29]

In September 2017, it announced it was transitioning to an all-digital platform. The print edition of Nylon was discontinued between October 2017 and 2019, and the print staff was laid off. Upon the departure of the core print team, only two original staff members, of the 60-odd employees from before the sale in 2014, remained.[30] One was digital team senior editor, Gabrielle Korn, who was then promoted to editor-in-chief.[31]

In June 2019, Nylon was acquired by the Bustle Digital Group, founded by Bryan Goldberg.[2] Its current editor-in-chief is Lauren McCarthy.

International editions

[edit]

Asia

[edit]
  • Nylon Japan, which first hit Tokyo newsstands in 2004, is now run by editor-in-chief Takashi Togawa.[32]
  • Nylon Korea premiered in August 2008,[33] and in April 2014, K-pop girl band Girls' Generation (also known as SNSD), was featured in Nylon international editions.[34] In March 2018, the publisher of Nylon Korea was acquired by Krispy Studio, a subsidiary of kakao M (formerly LOEN Entertainment), from Seoul Cultural Publishers [ko].[35]
  • Nylon Indonesia began publishing in 2011. It ceased publication in 2017.
  • Nylon Singapore,[36] launched in 2012 and went fully digital in 2017.
  • Nylon Thailand[37]
  • Nylon China[38]
  • Nylon Manila (Philippines), launched in November 2020 by One Mega Group as a digital magazine.[39]

Europe

[edit]
  • Nylon Germany[40][41]
  • Nylon Spain[42][43]
  • Nylon France (published as Nylon FR), launched in March 2021 as a digital magazine. The French edition is also edited on printed every two months with a limited drop in selected stores and on the magazine's e-shop.[44][45]

Latin America

[edit]

Former editors-in-chief

[edit]
  • Marvin Scott Jarrett was the original editor-in-chief from the time of the magazine's creation to his departure in 2014.
  • Michelle Lee was named editor-in-chief in 2014,[46] then named Editor in Chief of Allure magazine in 2015.
  • Melissa Giannini was named editor-in-chief in 2015.[47]
  • Gabrielle Korn was named editor-in-chief in 2018.
  • Alyssa Vingan was named editor-in-chief in 2019.
  • Lauren McCarthy was named editor-in-chief in 2023 and is the current EIC.

Cover models

[edit]

The first Nylon cover model for the debut issue was actress Liv Tyler in April 1999.[5] She was both photographed and interviewed by Nylon magazine's co-founder, creative director, and supermodel Helena Christensen.[5][48]

Cover models have included: Demi Lovato,[49] Christina Aguilera, The Horrors, Avril Lavigne,[50] Selena Gomez,[51] Lily Allen, Paris Hilton, The Kills, Camilla Belle, Grimes, Karen O, Evan Rachel Wood, Mary-Kate Olsen, Lea Michele, Lil' Kim, Zooey Deschanel, Kristen Stewart, Rachel Bilson, Scarlett Johansson, Cory Kennedy, Mischa Barton, Christina Ricci, Leighton Meester, Blake Lively, Taylor Momsen, The White Stripes, Sienna Miller, Nicole Richie, Megan Fox, Hilary Duff, Emma Stone, Lindsay Lohan, MIA, Zoe Saldana, Drew Barrymore, Jessica Szohr, Mila Kunis,[52] Emily Browning, Katy Perry, Jena Malone, Abbie Cornish, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Emma Roberts,[53] Chloë Grace Moretz,[54] Lily Collins, Hayley Williams, Marina,[55] and Lana Del Rey.

Reception

[edit]

Media Life Magazine's Jennifer Cox wrote in 2001 that Nylon was "a little uppity, and it's not hard to understand why", describing it as "bold, idiosyncratic, challenging, absolutely of-the-moment," but unnoticed by "the mainstream" until March 2001, when Nylon was nominated for the ASME National Magazine award. She described the April issue as "groundbreaking" (for a fashion magazine) to feature an overweight woman in a history of women's weight, and noted that the magazine's models "are more often interesting looking than beautiful per se." She found its photo spreads "bold with their use of white space and innovative photography" and noted Nylon's distinctive "heavy emphasis on music coverage."[56]

Recognition

[edit]

The American Society of Magazine Editors noted the magazine three times: Nylon was nominated for "National Magazine Award for General Excellence (100,000–400,000 circulation)" in 2001,[57] was a finalist for "General Excellence (100,000 to 250,000 circulation)" in 2003,[58][59] and was a finalist for the 2006 ASME "Design" award.[60]

In 2006, Nylon was a Nominee at the 10th Annual Webby Awards, in the Fashion category,[61][62] and an Official Honoree at the 12th Annual Webby Awards in the Magazine category in 2008.[63]

In 2008 industry monitor Media Industry News Online editors selected Nylon.com as the penultimate of their "Top 5 Women's Fashion Mag Website Picks", judging on "visual appeal, functionality and usefulness of information". They found it to be the "destination of choice for alternative, fashion minds everywhere", and "...Nylon's entertainment radar is still alive and well. Its funky illustrations and graphics give Nylon a hip, unique look that is truly hard to come by in the category. Nxtbook provides slick, downloadable digital magazine issues".[64]

Brand extensions

[edit]

The magazine had Radar, Fashion, and Style pages. There was also a Nylon Guys magazine, first announced in 2003[65] and published independently in 2004,[10] which featured Joseph Gordon-Levitt from 500 Days of Summer.

Nylon partnered with Rizzoli Publishing to publish three books: Street, on global street fashion; Pretty, on beauty; and Play, on music.[10] Pretty: The Nylon Book of Beauty was listed in the New York Public Library's best Books for the Teen Age 2008.[66][67] In 2009 Jarrett founded Nylon Records and signed French female pop group Plastiscines as its first act, after seeing them on the cover of French fashion and style magazine Citizen K.[68][69] Also in 2009, Nylon introduced its iPhone app; MinOnline listed it (among "Top 5 iPhone Mags You May Have Missed") as "a pleasant surprise. This fashion and culture mag has one of the more attractive magazine-like designs among print brands on mobile."[70]

The September 2010 issue of the magazine was released on the iPad, including video, music, and some exclusive content. The iPad edition is in the Apple iTunes newsstand.[71]

Bibliography

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nylon (magazine)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Nylon is an American lifestyle magazine and multimedia brand focused on fashion, beauty, music, entertainment, and pop culture, targeting young, style-conscious audiences with a bold, trendsetting voice. Founded in 1999 by publisher Marvin Scott Jarrett, along with co-founders including his wife Jaclynn Jarrett, editorial director Mark Blackwell, and model , the magazine quickly established itself as a champion of emerging talent and underground scenes, drawing from Jarrett's prior success with innovative titles like Ray Gun. Originally launched as a print publication, Nylon expanded internationally with editions in markets such as Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, emphasizing vibrant visuals and cultural commentary. After facing industry challenges, including a sale to investor Marc Luzzatto in 2014 and subsequent layoffs, the magazine transitioned to digital-only in 2017 under new ownership. In 2019, Bustle Digital Group (BDG) acquired Nylon, integrating it into a portfolio that includes brands like Bustle and W Magazine, with plans to revive its print legacy. Under BDG, has emphasized alongside like the NYLON Awards, while marking a return to print in April 2024 with its Spring/Summer issue featuring and continuing with subsequent issues such as the 2025 Music Issue and It Girl Issue, signaling a broader revival of premium print media amid shifting consumer preferences. The brand continues to influence through its website, presence with over 2 million followers, and coverage of "It Girls" and rising stars in entertainment.

History

Founding and early development

Nylon magazine was founded in 1999 by Marvin Scott Jarrett as publisher, his wife Jaclynn B. Jarrett as executive publisher, and photographer as creative director, advertising executive Madonna Badger as art director, Mark Blackwell as editorial director, and Michael Neumann as a co-founder. Published under Pop Media, the bimonthly print title targeted women in their 20s with a bicoastal focus on fashion, music, and pop culture, aiming to capture an edgy, youthful demographic through innovative visuals and cultural commentary. The founders drew from Jarrett's prior success with the alternative music magazine Ray Gun, seeking to blend high-end aesthetics with accessible street influences to appeal to "life's passionate participants." The inaugural issue debuted on April 6, 1999, featuring actress on the cover in a photoshoot and interview conducted by Christensen, setting a tone of intimate celebrity access and bold photography. With an initial print run of 300,000 copies distributed on newsstands, the magazine emphasized 40 pages of fashion and 10 to 15 pages of beauty content per issue, alongside features on emerging music acts and cultural icons like Blur and . Early advertisers such as Polo Jeans, Guess, and supported the launch, reflecting the publication's immediate appeal to youth-oriented brands. In its formative years through the mid-2000s, Nylon achieved steady growth, with circulation placing it in the 100,000 to 250,000 category by 2003, earning a National Magazine Award nomination for General Excellence in that tier. The magazine established its signature style by fusing high fashion editorials with street culture reportage and in-depth music coverage, often highlighting indie scenes and crossover artists to resonate with urban millennials. This approach solidified Nylon's reputation as a bridge between elite style and everyday pop influences, contributing to its cultural footprint before reaching 216,466 in circulation by 2012. To expand its audience, launched a companion men's edition, Nylon Guys, in 2004, initially as a bimonthly insert before becoming an independent publication focused on men's , art, music, design, technology, and travel. Co-created by Jaclynn Jarrett, the title targeted a similar youthful demographic with edgy content, mirroring the parent magazine's innovative ethos.

Ownership changes and challenges

In 2005, Nylon magazine was acquired by Pennsylvania-based businessman Don Hellinger, who established Nylon Holding, Inc., to manage its finances amid the publication's early financial struggles and accumulated debt. This acquisition marked a pivotal shift, enabling expanded operations under Hellinger's leadership as president of Nylon Holdings, with a focus on business and marketing strategies while largely deferring to editorial independence. Hellinger's involvement facilitated international ambitions, including collaborations like the 2006 partnership with MySpace for music tours, and the formation of Quadra Media, LLC, in 2009 to oversee Nylon alongside other titles such as Inked, Tokion, and Surface. Building on the brand's pop culture emphasis, Nylon launched its music label, Nylon Records, in 2009 as an extension of the magazine's music coverage. The label debuted with the release of the French pop group Plastiscines' album About Love, aiming to bridge editorial content with artist signings and promotions tied to Nylon's issues. Under Hellinger's oversight, this venture reflected the magazine's strategy to diversify beyond print into music production, though it operated briefly amid broader media expansions. By the mid-2010s, Nylon faced mounting financial pressures from declining print advertising revenue and industry-wide shifts toward , culminating in significant layoffs and operational cuts. In September 2017, the magazine announced the cessation of its print edition after the issue, transitioning fully to digital to restructure and focus on video, influencer partnerships, and through Nylon Studios. This decision, confirmed by executive chairman Marc Luzzatto, involved immediate layoffs of 12 print staff members and followed the 2015 closure of the Nylon Guys print edition, which had already reduced staff by 13. The move addressed persistent profitability challenges in a competitive landscape. In June 2019, Bustle Digital Group (BDG), founded by , acquired , integrating it into a portfolio that included and Romper as the company's seventh major purchase. The deal, involving cash and equity, covered U.S. operations and positioned previous owner Marc Luzzatto's Diversis Capital as a minority shareholder in BDG. This acquisition provided with resources for growth in digital and events, while excluding international assets like Socialyte, and signaled a strategic pivot within BDG's expanding media ecosystem.

Digital shift and print revival

In 2017, Nylon transitioned to a digital-only , ceasing its print editions after the issue to focus on its , mobile applications, and platforms. The magazine had launched iPad and apps as early as 2010 to deliver interactive content including videos and exclusive features, but post-2017, these digital channels saw significant expansion, with followers growing to over 2 million by 2025 through viral fashion and pop culture content. This shift allowed Nylon to prioritize multimedia storytelling, such as video interviews and event coverage, reaching millions monthly via its website and apps. Under Bustle Digital Group, which acquired in , the brand integrated into a broader emphasizing videos, newsletters, and to adapt to evolving . By 2023, this digital strategy had solidified Nylon's position as a hub, with content like short-form videos on trends and celebrity features driving audience interaction across platforms. In November 2023, Bustle Digital Group announced the revival of Nylon's print edition as a biannual , with the first issue launching in 2024 to complement its digital presence and capitalize on for tactile media. This relaunch featured high-profile covers and aligned with BDG's multimedia approach, incorporating video tie-ins and podcasts from the group's portfolio to enhance cross-platform storytelling. Key developments in 2025 included the September issue cover starring rapper , which explored her career and cultural impact through print and accompanying digital videos. Later that year, Nylon introduced an invite-only, free membership program in late 2025, limited to a few thousand "young tastemakers," offering exclusive events, merchandise, and community access to redefine media engagement without subscription fees. This initiative, funded by advertisers, further embedded within BDG's ecosystem of videos and experiential content.

International editions

Asian markets

The Japanese edition of Nylon was launched in 2004, marking the brand's initial foray into with content focused on Tokyo's vibrant street and . The Korean edition debuted in 2008, quickly adapting to the local scene by emphasizing influences and emerging trends. Nylon expanded further with the Singapore edition in April 2012, which transitioned to a fully digital format by 2017 while highlighting Southeast Asian lifestyle and regional influencers. In 2013, the Thai edition hit newsstands, celebrating Bangkok's dynamic pop culture through features on local actors and music artists. The Indonesian edition began publishing in 2011 but shifted to digital-only operations after the global print hiatus in 2017. The Chinese edition, established prior to the 2019 acquisition by Digital Group, has featured prominent covers such as K-pop artist Lisa in January 2020, tailored to China's booming digital fashion ecosystem. In November 2020, Nylon Manila launched in the as a digital-first by One Mega Group, incorporating monthly print elements to engage Filipino youth with homegrown celebrity stories and cultural narratives. Across these markets, Nylon editions localize content by spotlighting regional celebrities and trends, such as icons like on Japanese covers or groups in Korean features, blending global aesthetics with Asian pop culture to resonate with young audiences. This approach includes editorials on local music scenes, beauty rituals, and street styles, ensuring relevance amid diverse cultural contexts. As of 2025, Nylon's Asian editions sustain robust digital platforms under licensing from Bustle Digital Group, which acquired the brand in 2019 and supports ongoing international expansions through enhanced online content and occasional print revivals. Active presences include recent 2025 issues for , , , and , focusing on experiential .

European markets

Nylon's expansion into European markets began with the launch of its Spanish edition in April 2019, aimed at bringing the brand's signature voice on , , and culture to a new audience of independent women. The edition featured local talent from the outset, with actress gracing the inaugural cover, emphasizing Nylon's focus on regional celebrities and trends. In , maintains an active digital presence through NYLON Germany, delivering content on international , , , and tailored to the German-speaking . The platform covers contemporary collections, such as Marina Hoermanseder's AW25 show, highlighting themes of and individuality that resonate with European consumers. The French edition, NYLON , debuted in March 2021 under a licensing agreement with Bustle Digital Group, which had acquired the brand in 2019. Operating primarily as a digital , it positions itself as a hub for pop culture, with pictorial previews and editorials featuring global and local acts like in July 2025. NYLON also spotlights events like , showcasing Catalan creativity and regional innovation. European editions prioritize coverage of major fashion weeks, including , where they document front-row styles from celebrities like Devon Lee Carlson and , alongside emerging European designers. Collaborations often involve local influencers and brands, such as styling sessions with rising talents and partnerships tied to events, adapting Nylon's bold aesthetic to continental tastes. As of 2025, these editions sustain robust digital operations, with ongoing content production including covers, interviews, and trend reports customized for European markets, fostering engagement through platforms like and dedicated websites.

Latin American and other regions

In 2014, Nylon Media launched Nylon Español, a Spanish-language print and digital edition of its magazine, along with a companion Nylon Guys Español, aimed at celebrating Latin American pop culture, fashion, , and . This expansion targeted audiences across the , with a focus on markets like , where an earlier licensed Spanish edition had previously operated before its agreement ended. The initiative included the debut of nylonespanol.com to complement the print releases, starting with the August 2014 issue for Nylon Español and September for the Guys variant. By the late 2010s, Nylon's print operations faced significant challenges, leading to the shuttering of its U.S. print edition in October 2017 and a shift to digital-only format through 2019. This transition impacted international efforts, including Nylon Español, resulting in the scaling back of print publications while residual digital content remained available to sustain engagement with Latin American audiences. As of 2025, Nylon Español appears inactive, with no ongoing publications reported. Nylon's presence in other regions beyond , , and has been limited, primarily through digital accessibility rather than dedicated print or localized editions, with no major pilots or expansions reported in markets such as or the as of 2025.

Editorial leadership

Editors-in-chief

Nylon magazine was founded in 1999 by Marvin Scott Jarrett, who served as its first until 2014, overseeing the publication's initial vision as a bold, youth-oriented and title that blended music, style, and pop culture influences. During his tenure, Jarrett guided early expansions, including the launch of international editions and the development of Nylon Guys, a men's counterpart, establishing the brand's irreverent aesthetic and cross-media presence. Michelle Lee succeeded Jarrett as in June 2014, holding the position until November 2015 in a brief but impactful tenure focused on diversifying content through innovative storytelling and initiatives. She launched NYLON Studio, an in-house creative agency, to enhance and content partnerships, aiming to modernize the amid industry shifts. Melissa Giannini, a longtime staffer, was appointed in October 2015 and served until September 2017, navigating the challenges of the brand's transition toward greater digital emphasis while maintaining a commitment to print production. Under her leadership, the magazine emphasized music and lifestyle features, adapting to layoffs and ownership changes by prioritizing versatile editorial strategies that bridged print and online platforms. Gabrielle Korn took over as in late , departing in , and emphasized inclusive coverage of pop culture, particularly amplifying diverse voices in , , and during the magazine's full shift to digital in 2018. As one of the youngest openly editors-in-chief in major media, Korn championed representation, increasing visibility for women of color, plus-size models, and LGBTQ+ stories, which reshaped Nylon's cultural relevance. Alyssa Vingan was named in 2019 following Nylon's acquisition by Bustle Digital Group, serving until 2023 and integrating advanced digital strategies to revitalize the brand post-transition. She led the 2020 rebrand and editorial team expansion, focusing on data-driven content, social media engagement, and multimedia features to align with BDG's ecosystem while preserving Nylon's edgy identity. Lauren McCarthy, previously executive editor, became in September 2023 and continues in the role as of 2025, leading the successful relaunch of print editions starting in spring 2024 alongside the introduction of an invite-only membership program in late 2025. Under her oversight, as reflected in the current masthead, McCarthy has driven biannual print issues, exclusive events like NYLON Nights, and community-focused initiatives to enhance reader engagement and .

Key editorial roles and contributors

Nylon's editorial structure has evolved significantly since its founding in 1999, initially emphasizing creative and artistic roles to establish its bold, urban aesthetic in print. Key early positions included editorial director Mark Blackwell, who oversaw content development, art director Madonna Badger, responsible for the magazine's groundbreaking visual design, and creative director , a who influenced the brand's fusion of and pop culture imagery. These roles were pivotal in defining Nylon's signature style during its formative years, blending high with underground influences through innovative photo shoots and layouts. As Nylon transitioned toward digital platforms following its acquisition by Bustle Digital Group in 2019, the masthead shifted to incorporate multimedia and online expertise, reflecting the brand's adaptation to social media and web content. By the early 2020s, supporting roles expanded to include positions like features director and senior photo producer, ensuring seamless integration of digital storytelling with visual production. This evolution culminated in the 2024 print revival, where the team emphasized hybrid skills in editorial planning, social strategy, and event coverage to maintain Nylon's trendsetting voice across formats. In recent years, managing editor Chelsea Peng held a central role from December 2023 to September 2025, managing daily website production, edit calendars, newsletters, and budgets while coordinating print features. Style editor Kevin LeBlanc has shaped the magazine's fashion coverage, curating content that highlights emerging trends and cultural intersections. Complementing these, senior social media strategist Kelly Reed drives audience engagement, leveraging platforms to amplify Nylon's content and foster community around its core topics. Beyond core staff, influential contributors have defined Nylon's aesthetic through specialized input on photo shoots and features. Senior photo producer Kiara Brown oversees editorial imagery, coordinating shoots that capture the brand's vibrant, inclusive visuals. Fashion market director Jennifer Yee sources key pieces for styling, influencing the eclectic looks in Nylon's signature editorials. Notable freelancers, such as photographers AB+DM, have elevated cover stories—like their 2021 futuristic shoot with —blending music, , and innovation. Writers like contributing editor Rachel Baker add depth to profiles and cultural essays, while stylists involved in issues contribute to the magazine's playful, boundary-pushing identity. These collaborators, spanning print and digital eras, have sustained Nylon's reputation for discovering and amplifying emerging talents in , writing, and styling.

Content and style

Cover models and visual identity

Nylon magazine's inaugural cover in April 1999 featured actress , photographed by , setting a tone of intimate, artistic celebrity portraiture that blended emerging fashion sensibilities with pop culture allure. This debut established the publication's commitment to showcasing influential figures in music and entertainment through custom editorial shoots, often emphasizing personal narratives alongside bold visual aesthetics. Over the years, Nylon's cover selections evolved to highlight a diverse array of rising and established stars, reflecting the magazine's focus on youth-driven cultural icons. Notable examples include singer on the January 2014 issue, captured in a vibrant, introspective shoot that underscored themes of resilience and style; gracing the February 2013 cover with a fresh, youthful vibe tying into her Disney-to-music transition; and Scarlett Johansson's appearance in earlier editions, where her sophisticated glamour aligned with Nylon's fusion of Hollywood and indie edge. This progression demonstrates the magazine's ongoing embrace of multicultural and genre-spanning talents. Central to Nylon's visual identity is its emphasis on bold, artistic that merges , music, and into cohesive, urban-inflected narratives. The magazine's covers often feature groundbreaking design elements, such as high-contrast colors, experimental styling, and narrative-driven compositions that prioritize emotional depth over conventional glamour, earning acclaim for an feel that resonates with young, creative audiences. This approach, rooted in custom photoshoots by acclaimed photographers, has consistently reinforced Nylon's brand as a vibrant intersection of pop culture and visual innovation. Covers play a pivotal role in Nylon's brand identity, serving as cultural touchstones that encapsulate thematic issues and drive reader engagement. The 2024 relaunch of print editions exemplified this through oversized, thematic Spring/Summer issues featuring custom shoots like Gwen Stefani's Coachella-inspired cover, which blended with contemporary music festival energy, and subsequent editions that highlighted artistic collaborations to mark the magazine's 25th anniversary. These elements not only revived the tactile appeal of print but also solidified Nylon's reputation for visually daring content that bridges eras and influences.

Core topics and features

Nylon magazine's core content revolves around , , entertainment, beauty, and pop culture, with a strong emphasis on youth-driven narratives and emerging trends that resonate with Gen Z and millennial audiences. The publication delivers timely coverage of seasonal shifts, such as the Spring/Summer 2025 collections highlighted during Fashion Month, featuring innovative runway interpretations like playful motifs and sustainable fabrics from designers including and emerging labels. For Fall 2025, Nylon emphasizes shoppable trends pulled directly from runways, including cropped leather jackets, colorful knee-high boots, and bra tops, presented with accessible styling tips and links to democratize high-fashion looks. In music and entertainment, Nylon maintains a vibrant section dedicated to artist spotlights and cultural moments, often through in-depth interviews with rising and established talents. The annual Music Issue, released in 2025, celebrates up-and-coming musicians poised for breakthroughs, alongside discussions with icons like Charli XCX on her goth-rock influences and Hayley Williams on her Paramore tour experiences. Recurring features include previews of major events such as Coachella, where Nylon covers lineup announcements and festival fashion, and NYLON Nights, an awards-style gathering that highlights entertainment innovators with celebrity appearances and live performances. These segments underscore Nylon's role in bridging music with broader pop culture, featuring profiles on diverse artists like Dove Cameron amid her album releases. Beauty, culture, and lifestyle content in Nylon prioritizes inclusive, empowering stories tailored to young readers, focusing on self-expression and community. Features explore beauty innovations, such as celebrity-endorsed campaigns like Usher's collaboration with on a new fragrance line, blending scent trends with personal narratives. Cultural pieces often profile "It Girls" like and , delving into their multifaceted careers in acting, modeling, and activism to inspire relatable, forward-thinking lifestyles. As of 2025, this editorial approach amplifies diverse voices in beauty routines and cultural commentary, promoting and intersectional perspectives through shoppable guides and opinion-driven essays.

Reception and legacy

Awards and industry recognition

Nylon magazine has received several notable nominations and honors from prestigious industry bodies, recognizing its editorial excellence, design innovation, and digital presence in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. In 2003, Nylon was named a finalist for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award in the General Excellence category for publications with a circulation between 100,000 and 250,000 copies. This recognition highlighted the magazine's early impact in blending pop culture, fashion, and under founder Marvin Scott Jarrett's vision. The magazine earned further acclaim in 2006 as a finalist for the ASME National Magazine Award in the Design category, competing alongside titles such as GQ, Martha Stewart Living, and New York Magazine. This nomination underscored Nylon's distinctive visual style, characterized by bold graphics and edgy layouts that set it apart in the competitive fashion media landscape. Nylon's transition to digital formats has been particularly celebrated through the Webby Awards, which honor excellence on the internet. In 2021, the magazine's digital redesign by Code and Theory was recognized as a Webby Honoree in the Magazine category for Websites and Mobile Sites, praising its modernized user experience and content delivery. Similarly, in 2022, the reintroduction of the brand as a digital-first publication won a Webby Award in the same category, acknowledging its successful revival of print-era aesthetics in an online environment. Most recently, in 2025, Nylon was honored as a Webby Honoree in the General Desktop/Mobile Sites - Fashion, Style & Beauty category, crediting Editor-in-Chief Lauren McCarthy, Managing Editor Chelsea Peng, and the Bustle team for creating a platform that excels in editorial coverage of style, beauty, and cultural trends. These awards reflect Nylon's enduring influence, from its print origins to its as a multimedia brand under Bustle Digital Group since 2019.

Critical and cultural impact

Nylon magazine has been recognized for its bold visual and seamless integration of into coverage, establishing it as a trendsetter in pop culture during the early . Its edgy aesthetics, featuring vibrant graphics and urban style, appealed to young audiences seeking alternative voices in lifestyle media, influencing the intersection of indie scenes and . The publication's cultural legacy lies in amplifying diverse voices within , particularly through features on underrepresented creators in , , and , while embracing nightlife-heavy aesthetics that captured the energy of urban social scenes. By 2025, this evolved into a influence, with initiatives like the "Amplifying Our Voices" series centering marginalized perspectives and NYLON Nights events celebrating inclusive trends. Despite its innovations, faced significant challenges during its digital transition in the mid-2010s, including the cessation of print editions that led to approximately 12 layoffs and a shift toward video and influencer content amid industry-wide disruptions. Internal turmoil, such as the 2014 resignation of its CEO and key editors following a contentious ownership change, further strained operations and raised questions about editorial direction. The magazine recovered through its 2024 print relaunch under Bustle Digital Group, which garnered positive advertiser reception and signaled a renewed focus on tangible, collectible media appealing to Gen Z tastemakers.

Brand extensions

Media and publications

Nylon extended its brand through several book publications that compiled standout photography, features, and editorial content from the magazine. In 2006, Street: The Nylon Book of Global Style was released by Universe Publishing, featuring street fashion from cities like Tokyo, London, and Copenhagen, highlighting global trendsetters and their outfits. This was followed in 2007 by Pretty: The NYLON Book of Beauty, which explored beauty trends through the magazine's Beauty Queen column, including tips, editorials, and visual inspirations from contributors. The 2008 title Play: The NYLON Book of Music delved into the intersection of music and style, profiling artists, fans, and innovators with personal insights on fashion and influences. A sequel, Street View: The New Nylon Book of Global Style, arrived in 2010, updating the original with contemporary global looks from emerging fashion hubs. Complementing the main magazine, Nylon launched companion print publications targeted at specific audiences. Nylon Guys, introduced in 2004 as a bimonthly men's edition, covered , music, technology, and for a male readership, running independently until its print cessation in 2015 after the April/May issue. It was restructured and re-launched in 2017 as a supplement inserted into select issues of the core magazine, appearing in March, June/July, and September editions to maintain its focus on men's interests. Nylon also ventured into digital media extensions with mobile applications. The magazine debuted an iPhone app in 2009, offering exclusive articles, photos, and Nylon TV episodes for on-the-go access. This was expanded in 2011 with enhanced iPad capabilities through a partnership with Aysling Digital Media Solutions, enabling interactive features and bold digital publishing innovations tailored to tablet users. Following its 2019 acquisition by Bustle Digital Group, Nylon emphasized digital expansions.

Events, digital initiatives, and partnerships

Nylon launched Nylon Records in 2009 as an extension of its music coverage, signing artists and organizing events like the Summer Music Tour featuring performers such as those from the label's roster. The initiative focused on emerging talent, including French band Plastiscines, and released music tied to the magazine's cultural features, blending editorial content with independent label operations. The magazine has expanded into live events through NYLON Nights, an after-dark series that hosts invitation-only parties celebrating fashion, music, and culture. In 2025, the Fashion Edition event during on September 12 featured live performances by and appearances by , drawing influencers and celebrities to the Classic Car Club . Nylon also provides extensive coverage of the CFDA Fashion Awards, highlighting red carpet looks and winners, such as unconventional styles from attendees like and Adéla at the 2025 ceremony. In 2025, introduced digital initiatives to deepen audience engagement, including an invite-only membership program launched at the end of summer. This free program, capped at a few thousand members in New York, , and , offers exclusive access to content, priority event invitations, and perks like gift drops from partners. Partnerships have amplified these efforts, particularly during . The 2025 NYLON Nights Fashion Edition was presented by , integrating activations into the event's multi-sensory experience. Additionally, collaborations with brands like GARAGE supported membership activations, such as an exclusive kickoff party at Gospel on , fostering community among tastemakers.

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