Vogue Singapore
In March 1994, Condé Nast announced plans to launch the inaugural Asian edition of Vogue magazine in Singapore. The company had already established an administrative office there and intended to introduce an editorial team the following year. Until that time, Vogue Australia Sydney office handled the editing and design tasks. Vogue Singapore was anticipated to start with a circulation of 15,000 to 18,000 copies and be sold at $3.70 per issue. Nancy Pilcher, editor of Vogue Australia, said it was probably one of the best places in the Asia Pacific to do business. She added that Singapore is like a haven of fashion where every single label in the world is here. The magazine officially launched in August 1994 with the September issue. The theme of the first issue was East meets West with actress Joan Chen gracing its cover. Vogue Singapore had an initial print run of 35,000 copies for distribution in Singapore plus 10,000 for Malaysia. It also distributed 1,000 each for Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. It was sold at $3.30 a copy. The magazine was originally branded as Vogue Australia Singapore.
In 1996, The Wall Street Journal reported that Condé Nast Asia-Pacific would be suspending publication of its Vogue Singapore edition because of the slowing economy in the city-state. Then-president of Condé Nast Asia-Pacific, Didier Guerin, expressed that the magazine was no longer economically viable in such a small market unless they compromised quality. Reports indicated that magazine advertisers were withdrawing and print sales were dropping. The January 1997 was the last issue and went on sale on the 30th of December 1996. This marked the end of the original run which began in 1994. The economic downturn forced the company to halt operations despite earlier optimism about the region's potential. No new issues followed this final release date until decades later.
In January 2020, Condé Nast announced the launch of Vogue Singapore to launch later this year with an English-language print issue. A website and presences on all relevant social platforms accompanied the announcement. It will be published under license agreement with Indochine Media Ventures, a Singapore-based media company. That company publishes regional editions of Robb Report and the Singapore edition of Esquire among other titles. A print issue of Vogue Singapore will retail for around nine Singaporean Dollars. The web site will not be behind a paywall at launch. Michael von Schlippe, president of Indochine Media, said he could not exclude including one down the road. This partnership signaled a return after the 1997 closure. The strategy focused on digital integration alongside traditional print distribution.
Norman Tan assumed the position of Editor-in-Chief at Vogue Singapore in April. Previously, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of Esquire Singapore for more than two years. He was also the founder of Buro Singapore in 2015. His extensive background in luxury publishing is a valuable addition to his new role. Tan holds a double degree in commerce and law from the University of Melbourne. Nancy Pilcher led the magazine from 1994 until 1995. Michal McKay took over starting in 1996 and ended in 1997. Desmond Lim began his tenure in 2023 and continues to present day. These transitions reflect changes in both market conditions and editorial direction across different eras.
The magazine officially launched in September 2020 with three different covers. Singaporean model Diya Prabhakar features on the main cover while Chinese model Ju Xiaowen and Japanese actress Nana Komatsu round out the triptych. Both print and digital versions of the publication feature scannable QR codes. They include augmented reality and virtual reality content. This integration marked a significant shift from earlier print-only formats. The technology allowed readers to access additional media through their devices. It represented a modern approach to fashion journalism in the region. The combination of physical copies and digital tools defined this new era for the brand.
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Common questions
When did Vogue Singapore first launch in 1994?
Vogue Singapore officially launched in August 1994 with the September issue. The magazine was originally branded as Vogue Australia Singapore and featured actress Joan Chen on its cover.
Why did Condé Nast suspend the original Vogue Singapore edition in 1997?
Condé Nast suspended publication of the original Vogue Singapore edition due to a slowing economy in the city-state that made the magazine economically unviable. The January 1997 issue went on sale on the 30th of December 1996, marking the end of the run that began in 1994.
Who is the current Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Singapore as of 2023?
Desmond Lim began his tenure as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Singapore in 2023 and continues to present day. Norman Tan previously held the position starting in April after serving as Editor-in-Chief of Esquire Singapore for more than two years.
How much does a copy of Vogue Singapore cost in 2020?
A print issue of Vogue Singapore retails for around nine Singaporean Dollars following its relaunch in 2020. The initial 1994 launch price was $3.70 per issue before dropping to $3.30 during the first run.
Which models appeared on the covers of the September 2020 Vogue Singapore issue?
Singaporean model Diya Prabhakar features on the main cover while Chinese model Ju Xiaowen and Japanese actress Nana Komatsu round out the triptych. This three-cover format marked the official return of the magazine in September 2020.