Margaret Russell Unveils the New Architectural Digest

A few days ago, in the New York Times, it was announced that Margaret Russell, Architectural Digest's new editor (who many of us remember from Elle Decor) has launched a new and improved Architectural Digest that is focusing on drawing a slightly younger audience.



Why, you may ask???? Well, as the article explains, "Like so many shelter magazines, Architectural Digest has not been a happy home of late. Once the leader in its glossy domain, it has lost market share — nearly half of its pre-recession ad dollars — as well as its relevance to buzzier titles, or what’s left of them, anyway."

With the new and improved March issue to hit the stands in a few days (if not already out), “THE Age of Elegance” promises to breathe new life to Architectural Digest readership. Frankly, as a follower of Architectural Digest and with my own line of furnishings on ShopAD (the online shopping website of the magazine that showcases items from 1stdibs), I have always loved the picturesque articles on Architectural Digest.

Take the feature on Ralph Lauren in the most recent February issue. To showcase his collections for women and the home, Ralph Lauren built a Beaux Arts mansion from scratch on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Built next to the Renaissance Revival château that heiress Gertrude Rhinelander Waldo built for herself in 1898, on Madison Avenue at 72nd Street (and which in 1986, Lauren turned into his American flagship store), the new Beaux Arts style building with high-ceilinged rooms is now dedicated to his women’s and home collections, while the château houses the menswear.

And in the grand manner that is all that Ralph Lauren touches, take a look at the result.













If this is anything short of amazing, I'm sure the new and improved March issue of Architectural Digest will blow us all out of the water. With Margaret Russell's talent and experience, the new magazine cannot be but absolutely fantastic. As soon as I get it, I will share with all of you.