EVOLUTION OF A SPECIES

WELCOME TO CONTRIBUTING EDITOR 2.0

After many sleepless nights, screaming fights and much ado about nothing,
we’re proud to unveil the new, and we think, improved CE.
This latest iteration should be easier to navigate and prettier to look at
but by no means the final word on the matter. The most exasperating and
ultimately rewarding part of working online is that it forces constant newness.
The relentless pace of the internet is tough but we consider it a challenge and
ultimately a benefit to making a fashion magazine.
Fashion happens fast today and the 30 day publishing schedule feels long.
Technology and high style won’t always coexist in perfect harmony
but what an interesting moment to witness.

As we crash headfirst into the second decade of the 21st century it’s imperative
that the next generation establishes it’s singular voice. Contrary to popular mythology,
the fashion business is generally about following rules and existing within parameters.
It’s easy to be satisfied with the status quo, especially in flush times.
Today, in this less secure time, would be a good opportunity to think outside the box.
Attention Next Generation: now is the time to be young
and look forward to the future of creativity. Welcome to the now.

Matthew Edelstein
Editor-In-Chief

L.A. ARTISTS

by Price Latimer Agah
Photographed by Thomas Whiteside

The dandy English writer and raconteur Quentin Crisp once quipped that
“Los Angeles is just New York lying down”.
By lying down, I presume that he was not only referring to L.A.’s
vast physical sprawl, but also to lying down as an act of repose.
Amongst the eight emerging and established Los Angeles-based artists
interviewed below, the consensus is that the city, despite its residents’
oft-expressed feeling of isolation and aversion to traffic,
has become a damn fine place to be an artist. The archetypes of the L.A.
art scene have yet to be written in the annals of art history; at this point,
it is a choose your own adventure, allowing artists the capacity and freedom
to forge their own respective way. The sublime weather, affordable studio
and living spaces, broad-minded cultural and intellectual climate, burgeoning
creative community, cultural diversity, as well as the city’s tangible sense of
both promise and lack of reserve have all affected these artist’s decisions to
live and work in the American megalopolis supreme.
Underneath the stereotypical L.A. culture and style, there seems to be,
in fact, a little something for everyone.

DAILY OPERATION

IT’S BEEN A PRIVILEGE TO WORK WITH SO MANY TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHERS,
STYLISTS, ARTISTS AND FILMMAKERS ON THIS PROJECT.

When we were dreaming up the concept for Contributing Editor little more than a year ago,
I never imagined it would have the reach and audience it has now. Clearly
it’s been an influence for some, and for that I’m ecstatic and sometimes surprised.
We will endeavor to keep pushing it forward in 2010.

A few notes about the new site; we will continue to upload our story archives
over the next month to the new site, and at that point the old site will cease to exist.
Bookmark us here at thecontributingeditor.com. Contributing Editor publishes content
frequently. We don’t do monthly issues, so check back often.

Last but not least, a shout-out to our interns, Christopher Miller, Tiffany Chang
and Regina Maria “Rourke” Arnadottir, all talented designers in their own right.

Thanks for all the support, we do it for you!

Ryan Schmidt
Creative Director