The New York Times-20080125-Magazine Started by Warhol Names Editorial Directors
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Magazine Started by Warhol Names Editorial Directors
Glenn O'Brien, a longtime New York writer and editor, and Fabien Baron, most recently the creative director for French Vogue, were named joint editorial directors of Interview magazine after the resignation of its editor in chief, Ingrid Sischy.
Ms. Sischy, who became the public face of Interview during her 18 years at its helm, resigned after a shake-up at its owner, Brant Publications. Peter M. Brant, a newsprint magnate and art collector, took over the company after buying out the 50 percent stake owned by his former wife, Sandra Brant (they divorced in 1996). Ms. Brant also resigned as publisher.
The departure of Ms. Sischy, who took the magazine through a period of growth in advertising revenue and circulation, sent some shock waves through the fashion and publishing community. Interview, which was founded by Andy Warhol in 1969, became a downtown bible for its coverage of fashion, art, entertainment and pop culture.
Ms. Sischy, a Manhattan fixture known for her trademark red glasses and her front-row seat at fashion shows, concerts and premieres, was considered as much a part of the scene as its chronicler. She will now focus on other projects, including her writing.
I think Ingrid and Sandy have done a great job over the years, Mr. Brant said. Their loyalty and dedication to the magazine is very evident. Still, Ms. Sischy's resignation was very much expected, he said.
Mr. O'Brien, who worked under Warhol at Interview, and Mr. Baron will also oversee two other Brant magazines, Art in America and The Magazine Antiques.
I think that we're going to put a big emphasis on the Internet for all three magazines, and try to appeal to a younger audience, Mr. O'Brien said. He also promised a radically changed Interview that will be more international and artistic -- and definitely funnier.
I just thought they could really use some direction, going forward, of a younger generation of people, Mr. Brant said.
