Meet More or Less: the Sustainable & Chic Indie Magazine
“The RealReal is a great vehicle for glamorizing the concept of wearing pre-worn clothing,” Jaime Perlman, founder and editor, More or Less magazine.
Imagine a fashion magazine that celebrates accessibility over exclusivity, self-expression over pre-packaged runway trends, conscious consumption over gleeful excess? That is exactly what Jaime Perlman did when she set out to create More Or Less. And she did it without sacrificing an iota of glamour (Kate Moss was her first cover), fantasy (think lush, oversized images that just happen to be printed on recycled paper), or cool (closet clean-out with Chloë Sevigny? Sign us up.). With her third issue about to drop, including a special story shot on location at our massive TRR east coast e-commerce center, Jaime sat down with TRR and gave us the inside scoop.
More or Less Founder & Creative Director Jaime Perlman | Photo: Billal Taright
Tell us about your magazine, More Or Less.
More Or Less is meant to provoke thought about the choices people make when they shop. It’s meant to challenge the current fashion system and encourage new ways of approaching the production of clothing that are slower, more inclusive and friendlier to the planet. It’s also meant to be a fun and informative source of creative inspiration and fantasy.
How long has it existed?
Our first issue launched in May 2018. We have just now put out our third issue.
What inspired you to start it? And what does MOL stand for?
More Or Less was a reaction to conversations I had been having with people in the industry behind-the-scenes for years about speed, over-production and expense. I also wanted to see a fashion magazine with style that wasn’t composed of looks that had only come straight off the catwalk—I wanted to create a platform for a more intimate, personal and surprising sense of style.
Maison Margiela Dress, Paco Rabanne Dress, Prada Gloves & Sandals
What were you doing before you launched MOL? Tell us a little bit about your path through the fashion world.
Before launching MOL I was the Creative Director of British Vogue for many years, having worked at fashion magazines like US Vogue and US Harper’s Bazaar.
What have been the biggest challenges publishing MOL? What were some of your most exciting achievements?
The challenges of running an independent publication are many. We have a small team and big ambitions, so getting collaborators on board and editorial partnerships—all of this takes a lot of singing and dancing. My most exciting achievement was getting Kate Moss for my first cover, after having worked with her for many years on much more established publications like Vogue. I also feel proud to have launched at a time when a platform like this feels very needed.
Who are some of the people you have featured in your pages? Is there anyone we would be surprised to learn is a real vintage or consignment queen?
We have featured Chloë Sevigny who has always been a huge vintage collector. Also Kelley Deal from the Breeders, Amber Valletta, Paloma Elsesser, Yoko Ono. We have some super exciting and unexpected names in our new issue out November 18th.
Balenciaga Blazer, Issey Miyake Cardigan, Hermès Knit Shorts, Jil Sander Flats
Sustainability is a trending topic in fashion right now. How does MOL contribute to this conversation? What do you hope people take away from any given issue of MOL?
MOL was born out of this conversation, but not as a trend. MOL is a reaction to what is happening in the world, and the systems that are in place that no longer serve us. I hope MOL excites and inspires people about fashion—to look at ways of dressing which are fun, creative, sexy but also sustainable.
Do you personally shop consignment? What has been your biggest consignment score?
I have always been an avid vintage and consignment shopper. The thrill of the hunt always makes shopping more of an interesting experience. I got a great Loewe dress on The RealReal which I get a lot of compliments on.
Celine Plaid Coat, Celine Trench Coat, Balenciaga Trench Coat, Loewe Skirt, Maison Margiela Sneakers
