Details (magazine)


Details was an American monthly men's magazine that was published by Condé Nast, founded in 1982 by Annie Flanders. Though primarily a magazine devoted to fashion and lifestyle, Details also featured reports on relevant social and political issues. In November 2015 Condé Nast announced that the magazine would cease publication with the issue of December 2015/January 2016.

History

Details was launched as a downtown culture magazine in 1982. Alan Patricof bought the magazine in 1988. Condé Nast bought the magazine a year later for $2 million. Its current format stems from an October 2000, relaunch of the title, following a transfer of the magazine from Condé Nast to sibling division Fairchild Publications.
Between its last issue at Condé Nast and first at Fairchild, publication of Details was temporarily suspended. This allowed for extensive redesign and strategic repositioning of the magazine.

Staff contributors

Frequent contributors included Augusten Burroughs, Michael Chabon, and Bill Cunningham.
Its editor was Dan Peres, the former husband of Australian actress Sarah Wynter. He was appointed to the post in 2000.
Previous contributors have included Beauregard Houston-Montgomery.

Controversy

In 2004, Details published a piece titled "Gay or Asian?" that featured a photo of an East Asian man, and "tips" on how to tell the difference. Some of the text that accompanied the photo: "One cruises for chicken; the other takes it General Tso-style. Whether you're into shrimp balls or shaved balls, entering the dragon requires imperial tastes."
The article generated protests over its racism and homophobia—and over how it erased the existence of gay Asian men. To protest, LGBT Asian American individuals and groups came together and held demonstrations.

''Music Matters'' CDs

From 1991 to 1999 the magazine produced sampler CDs which were sent out to current subscribers free of charge. While the CDs concentrated on then current music, older songs were included as well. The initial CD was produced by Andrea Norlander of MTV, who oversaw concept, musical content, design, and marketing of the project.