When I was 15, my older sister took me to get my ears pierced before the holidays. Big deal, I know—two traditions, Claire’s and turkey folded into one. That Night, with purple rhinestones in my ears and a new sense of confidence, I felt I was showing my extended family a new and improved me. Perhaps it’s because of this fateful day that I’ve always felt like the holidays are the most expressive time of year.
I’d admire my aunt’s vintage Miu Miu top as she argued with her brother over politics, or my cousin’s black and white tortoiseshell hair clip, adding that extra touch of elegance as she served her homemade mac and cheese. And each year, everyone comes back presenting a new version of themselves—new style, new boyfriend, new job—not unlike consecutive issues of a culture magazine coming out over the years, its pages updating with the latest stars and fashions.
For me,v magazine was always the magazine. I’ve collaged its pages and covers—Billie Eilish, willow smith, Emma chamberlain, etc.—on my bedroom wall for as long as I can remember. Minutes it may feel, the day I got my ears pierced was the first time I felt like I could partake in the creative self-expression and electrifying frivolity that overflows from v’s pages. Imagination and style became powerful antidotes to homogeneity, to boredom, to a fluctuating sense of teenage confidence that literally continues to waver to this day.
A Barbie earring here, a purple-speckled hair scrunchie there—these small touches dramatically changed my energy throughout the day. With Mini V, we wanted to create something for the rest of my generation, gen z, as well as those to follow. Our debut issue is a celebration of creativity and experimentation, and how self-expression can bring about not only personal happiness, but even wide-scale change in how we treat ourselves, each other, and even our planet. This holiday season, I ask you to remember that sometimes it’s the small things—not unlike this Mini magazine—that pack the biggest punch.
With love, Mini V
