The iconic fashion publication is set to relaunch in the UK, embracing nostalgia and Gen Z consumer desires.
i-D magazine is set to relaunch on UK newsstands after a hiatus following its parent company Vice’s bankruptcy in 2023. The fashinon magazine has been acquired by model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss under her Bedford Media conglomerate. At the launch event, Kloss described i-D as “an extraordinary piece of fashion history,” emphasising her determination to preserve its legacy.
The revival of i-D comes amid a broader trend where fashion magazines are experiencing a resurgence, predominantly fuelled by nostalgia among Gen Z readers.
Recent statistics from the Audit Bureau of Circulations reveal that nearly 50% of magazines reported a 10% or more decline in print circulation in 2024. In contrast, luxury and indie titles are thriving. For instance, Grazia, a weekly glossy magazine, has seen a 46% increase in circulation year-on-year, prompting the launch of standalone issues focused on beauty and interiors.
As the market evolves, cultural institutions are also adapting. The National Portrait Gallery in London has recognised the increasing interest in youth culture magazines by hosting an exhibition dedicated to The Face, which has drawn over 28,000 visitors in its first month, 14% of whom were aged under 25.
Thom Bettridge recently took the helm as i-D’s editor-in-chief and has drawn inspiration from the magazine’s founder, Terry Jones, who established i-D in 1980. Bettridge’s approach has been to lean into the magazine’s archives, aiming to create content that resonates with contemporary audiences. His first issue, titled “The Unknown Issue,” features a mix of emerging and established figures, including Enza Khoury, Naomi Campbell, and FKA twigs. Bettridge intends for the magazine to appeal broadly and not be tied to a specific demographic, describing his readers as “citizens of the internet.”
The magazine will be published twice a year at a price point of £20, which Bettridge positions as accessible compared to others in the market that may reach £50 for hefty editions. He emphasises the importance of design and collectability, pointing out the increasing focus on magazine spines as consumers look to display them prominently at home.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/i-d-magazine-makes-it-comeback-for-spring-summer-2025-with-the-unknown-issue/2025030680506 – This article confirms i-D magazine’s comeback under Karlie Kloss’s Bedford Media and Thom Bettridge’s leadership, highlighting its Spring/Summer 2025 issue as a revival milestone.
- https://fashionunited.com/news/fashion/i-d-magazine-makes-it-comeback-for-spring-summer-2025-with-the-unknown-issue/2025030664853 – Similar to the first URL, this article also details i-D’s relaunch and its features, such as the ‘Unknown Issue’ and Enza Khoury’s profile, reflecting the magazine’s fresh direction.
- https://i-d.co – This is the official i-D platform, showcasing the magazine’s focus on emerging talent, fashion, culture, and individuality, aligning with its mission to celebrate contemporary creativity.
- https://www.magculture.com – MagCulture, founded by Jeremy Leslie, is a hub for magazine enthusiasts. It reinforces the trend of increased interest in print magazines among younger generations, emphasizing their collectibility.
- https://auditbureau.co.uk – The Audit Bureau of Circulations provides data on print circulation trends. While specific data isn’t linked directly, they track magazine sales and trends, which can corroborate the rise in luxury and indie titles.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
Recent events and figures suggest the narrative is up-to-date. The mention of Vice’s bankruptcy in 2023 and the magazine’s relaunch are contemporary themes.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
While quotes are present, they cannot be verified as original without further context. Common phrases like ‘Everyone wants to be unique’ could be found elsewhere, but specific attribution to an event like the launch is lacking.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Guardian, a well-established and reputable publication known for its journalistic integrity.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative aligns with current trends in the fashion industry, such as a resurgence of print among Generation Z and the thriving luxury market.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be highly credible, being both fresh and plausible with reliable sourcing from The Guardian. Quotes are lacking in verification but do not detract from the overall reliability.
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