Fabien Baron is the graphic design visionary who is probably the most responsible for my doing what I’m doing today. He and his namesake firm’s portfolio ( www.baron-baron.com ) reads like a greatest hits of branding and design. Long before I even realized what graphic design was, I was impressed and mesmerized by his campaigns, magazine layouts and photography. He has continued to inspire me and my work throughout my career. So needless to say, I was extremely excited to hear that Fabien has recently taken over as the editor at Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine!
The publication has been run with the incredible Ingrid Sischy at the helm for the past few decades. Her departure left a huge gap to fill. What’s really exciting is what Ingrid brought to the publication as a journalist, Fabien will bring as a designer. Of course, Fabien is no stranger to Interview. In the late 80s he had a short stint as creative director. It was really the first time I saw typography as art. This was even before I even started design school. There have already been several "test issues" of Interview, the latest features Marc Jacobs on the cover with a Warhol wig on his head.
The official launch is the September issue. Word on the street is that in addition to the design there will be changes to the format and paper stock. This magazine collaboration comes right off the heels of Fabien’s post as creative director at French Vogue. I am thrilled that I will finally be able to pick up (and actually read) a regular Fabien production in English! For more info on Fabien, visit this link to HINT, an online fashion magazine that recently interviewed him.