One of my first initiatives as editor in chief of American Salon was to completely redesign the magazine. The last time we'd done so was in 1997, so it seemed like a good time to take a look at what was working and what wasn't. Magazines have changed a lot in the past 10 years. Readers want their information in bite-sized pieces, not long-winded articles, which is why we added sections like "Notebook" and "Better Business." "Life Support" is another new section that is near and dear to my heart because it addresses the whole mind/body/spirit connection. We've tried to make the magazine fun to read, too. We commissioned photographer Laura Hanifin to paint 12 ceramic dogs with new fall shades from CND, Essie and OPI, then photograph them for a three-page gatefold. We also asked hairdressers to do makeovers on Gwen Stefani dolls, which became another gatefold that was a big hit with readers and with a No Doubt fan club president, who asked us if he could post the layout on his Web site. A couple of months ago, I visited the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA—it's home to the world's largest collection of original Rockwell works, as well as the artist's original studio. While there, I saw an exhibit called "Ephemeral Beauty," which celebrated the work of Al Parker, the "father of the glamour aesthetic." All in all, it's been a great year for us, but we're not resting on our laurels. Expect a few more surprises in 2008. —Marianne Dougherty, editor in chief, [email protected]
 Marianne Dougherty |
 American Salon got a brand-new look this year. Here, all 12 covers. |