UPDATE: C Magazine is celebrating a significant milestone—its 20th anniversary—with a special issue featuring supermodel Cindy Crawford on the cover. The issue, styled by Paul Cavaco and photographed by Matthew Brookes at Paramount Studios, marks a moment of nostalgia and achievement for the magazine’s founder and CEO, Jennifer Smith, who began her career as an intern on the same lot at just 16 years old.
The anniversary issue not only highlights Crawford, a three-time cover star, but also reflects on the magazine’s journey capturing the essence of California lifestyle since its inception. “You’re still just as excited about Cindy today as you were 20, 40 years ago,” Andrew Barker, style and content director, stated. “She’s the O.G. supermodel for all of us.”
Launched in 2003, C Magazine was born from Smith’s vision to celebrate California’s vibrant culture and creativity. The first issue featured Carolyn Murphy on the cover and included notable interviews with industry leaders like Barry Diller. “We started out with such a bang that everyone then trusted us going forward,” Smith remarked.
Today, C Magazine has evolved significantly, releasing seven issues a year priced at $7.99 each, with a total distribution of 135,000 copies and reaching 750,000 readers monthly. The readership is predominantly female, with 90% women, a median age of 44, and a median household income of $220,000.
Smith emphasized the magazine’s dual role as a content creator and an advertising partner, stating, “We can be a great advertising partner for them and say, ‘What are your needs? We know this crowd.’” The magazine has collaborated with luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, and Ralph Lauren to create custom content tailored for their California activations.
In conjunction with the anniversary, C Magazine has published a new book titled “California: Dream State: Stylish Living from Canyon to Coast” with Rizzoli. The book showcases highlights from the past 20 years, including a feature on actress Kelly Lynch and writer-producer Mitch Glazer at their stunning home designed by architect John Lautner.
Looking ahead, Smith acknowledges the challenges of the evolving media landscape, stating, “You can’t just be a magazine. You have to have the digital, you have to have the social.” The 20th anniversary issue, featuring over 100 pages, includes profiles of iconic California figures like Oprah Winfrey, who is featured in her garden, and Dominique Crenn, the acclaimed chef behind the new Dior restaurant on Rodeo Drive.
C Magazine’s anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but also a reaffirmation of the enduring allure of the California dream. As Smith concluded, “What else do I have to hang on to but that drive on [California] roads, windows down, music blasting?”
Stay tuned for more updates as C Magazine continues to shape and reflect the dynamic lifestyle of California.
