: The founder and owner of G. Claridge Printing Press, which produced the high-quality glossy pages that set the magazine apart from low-budget alternatives.
Unlike the female centrefold, which leaned into fantasy and voyeurism, the was aspirational. It was the man in the midnight-blue tuxedo leaning against a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. It was the novelist with a loosened tie and a glass of Macallan 18, staring out a rain-streaked window. It was Steve McQueen in a Persol sweater, looking like he might either fix a motorcycle or walk the red carpet at Cannes.
Poetry and short stories by acclaimed writers like Kamala Das and Khushwant Singh.
: A shift from "conspicuous consumption" to "refined experiences." 📸 Elements of a Perfect Editorial Feature
While the classic centrespread often relied on rigid definitions of masculinity, the "debonair" quality has evolved. Today, it reflects a broader, more inclusive sense of style, but the essence remains: the idea that presentation and personality are inextricably linked. The "centrespread" may have moved from physical paper to digital screens, but the human fascination with a polished, charming persona remains as strong as ever. debonair centrespread
This Australian “Ozploitation” (Australian exploitation) film is a surreal, dystopian fantasy set in a Mad Max -style future. The plot follows a jaded, high-end photographer for a dominant sex magazine controlled by a totalitarian computer called “Central.” As the Wikipedia summary states, this future “sees women presented for the entertainment and comfort of men, courtesy of a magazine run by a computer”. The photographer’s mission? To find a girl with “a new look, a different approach, someone for the new century”—the ultimate for the ultimate media machine.
When combined, a "debonair centrespread" refers to a curated visual and textual feature that celebrates sophisticated living. This concept manifested in several distinct ways during the peak of print media: 1. High-Fashion and Tailoring
You don't need a magazine budget to capture this aesthetic. In the age of the iPhone 15 and Lightroom presets, you can shoot your own at home. Follow this guide:
As if on cue, the heavy studio doors swung open. The draft caught the dust in the light beams, swirling it like gold dust. : The founder and owner of G
: The centrespread was often sandwiched between high-brow political commentary and short stories.
"Debonair," often used to describe a man who is both fashionable and charming, goes beyond mere clothing. It is an attitude. It implies:
: Possessing a relaxed, charming demeanor that never appears to be trying too hard.
If you are looking to build a specific creative project around this, I can help you: Draft a for a debonair-style shoot. It was the man in the midnight-blue tuxedo
The life of the 'debonair centrespread' was not an easy one. It was a constant battleground for censorship. During India’s Emergency (1975-77), Mehta was forced to submit color transparencies of the centrefolds to a censor. He recalled that the official preferred images where "the girl was naked but was wearing a dupatta," so he would "usually slip in one of those" to get them passed. The magazine also faced obscenity cases and constant legal threats from conservative groups, a hazard of operating in a nation where even advertisements for sanitary napkins could be considered 'vulgar'.
The magic of a classic debonair feature relies heavily on the photographer's ability to capture a mood. It is rarely about a stark studio backdrop. Instead, these images place the subject within a narrative context that enhances their charm:
Several iconic figures graced the pages of the magazine during their formative years. Juhi Chawla, Sonu Walia, and Madhu Sapre, among others, engaged with the publication as they navigated the worlds of pageantry, high fashion, and Bollywood. The centrespread subverted traditional limitations, offering models and actresses an avenue to showcase fierce independence, bold body positivity, and a modern, westernized sensuality that Bollywood’s traditional "girl next door" tropes did not allow. Societal Impact: Rebellion, Liberation, and Critique