frankie

My Australian aunt recently bought me the latest edition of frankie, the amazing magazine that covers everything from art and design, to travel and home. I love everything about this quirky publication. You just have to feel the heavy-duty non-glossy pages to know it's not like other magazines. Even without reading anything, the magazine is beautiful. Each page is different, with unusual layouts and backgrounds. It almost feels like a scrap-book of articles and photos.

Take this double-spread for instance: just a bunch of images and text, but displayed in such an unusual, accessible way. The use of contrasting patterns and backgrounds are executed perfectly on every one of these spreads.

So I've burbled on enough about how attractive frankie is to look at, but what about its articles? Well, these are funny, interesting, original and inspiring. 

My four favourite stories this edition made me laugh out loud and feel some kind of emotional attachment to the people in them. 

The first is Anja Brunt's quirky tale about her unconventional use of everyday objects to fulfil her goal of creating 1001 faces. It's almost like a diary- I'm sure the face's emotions often mirror hers.  It's just such an odd thing to do, but is weirdly genius, and is probably such a calming and fulfilling thing to do. 

Next up is the heart-felt account of Greg Kloehn's mission to supply homeless people with their own mobile houses. Of course, it's a beautiful story, but the houses themselves are more than just houses for the homeless- they are pieces of amazing art. The quote about people 'breaking down crying' is just so humbling. 

'Mysterious Letters' is possibly the funniest idea I have heard about in ages. Lenka Clayton and Michael Crowe wish to send letters to the whole world. Okay, that's intriguing by itself, but the letters themselves are just hysterical. These people must have such an enjoyable time writing them, regardless of the RSI they must have!

Last but not least is the article about the weatherboard home of Margeaux and Matt Davis. The photos are stunning, and the idea is even more breath-taking: that they just upped and left for the tiny town of Dunoon. Their life seems so tranquil. For a city gal like me, it's just amazing to read about. 

Anyhoo, I won't ruin the entire magazine for you, because you HAVE to get it yourself.
The writers talk like they know you, and I guess they do: frankie really understands its readership. We like design, art, photography, fashion, travel, music, craft...well, everything it lists on its front cover!