Determine if the magazine will be quarterly, monthly or a one-time endeavor. The right name comes next. Check trends by browsing bookstore magazine racks and on-line fashion publications. One-word titles such as Vogue, Allure, Glamor and Style suggest fashion and are both simple and memorable.
Covers sell. Fashion magazine cover pages feature a single dramatic fashion image, the title bold at top, and captions cascading down the side highlighting content. Captions are designed as selling points to rouse interest. The image grabs attention and conveys the tone of the magazine. Aim for a distinctive bold title.
Use a page layout program such as "Pages" for Mac, Quark or Windows to layout both the cover and inside pages. Choose a distinctive font for your title. Stick with that font for all future issues. Never obscure the title. Layout the picture center or slightly center right. Lay captions to the side. Limit font styles to three. Use a simple, clear font for articles. Suggestions include "Times" or "Verdana."
New publications' budgets often range from small to nonexistent. Most content comes from volunteers. Writers, editors and photographers gain readers, bylines and credibility when published (printed). Solicit writers, editors and photographers from local fashion colleges, journalism classes and Internet sites.
Pictures are vital to fashion publications. More than eye-candy they add credence. Never use images without written permission from the legal owner. Always include a byline. Many sites on the Internet have free images available for download. Search under "free images" and "fashion." Use images generously throughout the pages. Content should be up-to-the minute. Like pictures, content should be original. Originality will distinguish your publication.
Number your pages then save your work as a "PDF" document. When emailed it can be printed on a standard color printer. Glossy paper will produce better photo quality. Mail the file to yourself. With Acrobat open the file. Print, commanding your printer to "print both sides" so it will appear in a magazine format.