In the fast-paced world of the mid-aughts, Jennifer Romolini found herself submerged in the magazine industry as an editor at Lucky, a Conde Nast publication dedicated to all things shopping.
Little did she know that her research for a column on eBay and Etsy finds would lead her to a hidden gem, a back issue of a chic and daring erotic magazine from the 1970s designed for the intellectually curious woman. This remarkable find was none other than Viva, the first women’s erotic magazine.
As Romolini delved into its captivating pages, she discovered soft-focus photography by renowned artists like Helmut Newton, as well as thought-provoking articles penned by the likes of Patricia Bosworth, Betty Friedan, Nikki Giovanni, and Anaïs Nin.
Viva offered a unique perspective on female desire, showcasing images of English-style picnics in a state of undress and couples engaging in acrobatic yet languorous acts on stylish Italian furniture. "It was utterly wild," Romolini exclaims.
The Story
Jenniffer Romolini, a journalist and renowned podcaster, cohosts "Everything Is Fine" with her former Lucky boss, Kim France. Their program tackles subjects relevant to women over 40, embracing candid discussions about aging, friendship, and societal pressures.
Romolini, who taught herself podcast narration at the age of 50 after working as an office manager, strives to understand the motivations and messages behind Viva through interviews with surviving former staff members.
This serendipitous encounter with an almost forgotten magazine led Romolini to develop a personal collection and eventually create a captivating podcast that explores the enthralling and complex backstory of Viva half a century after its debut.
Stiffed, Romolini's riveting podcast, follows the footsteps of other shows that lift the lid on creative scenes from the recent past. Stiffed takes listeners on a trippy journey through magazine history, where second-wave feminism both thrived on and clashed with its owner, the pornography titan Bob Guccione. If you don't know Guccione, he started with the popular men's erotic magazine called Penthouse, which was a competitor to Playboy by Hugh Hefner. Later on, he decided to create a women's version, Viva.
The podcast stands alongside hits like Lili Anolik's Once Upon a Time... at Bennington, which delves into the lives of rising It-writers at a Vermont liberal arts college, and Helen Molesworth's Death of an Artist, a true crime podcast that serves as a tour of New York City's 80s art scene.
With a voice that oscillates between distressed and amused, Romolini is the perfect guide to delve into Viva's fascinating territory—a consciousness-raising haven nestled within the literal den of pornography that was the Upper East Side office of Penthouse.
What Did Romolini Find?
Romolini is really good at uncovering the uncomfortable stuff that nobody wants to talk about. So it's not surprising that she dug up some fascinating history about Viva. In this eight-episode documentary series, Romolini dives into what could have been a sexual revolution led by the magazine's founder, Bob Guccione, and a group of feminist writers. But as Romolini uncovers the story, you quickly realize that the man known as the "King of Sleaze" wasn't exactly the right person to lead a feminist sexual revolution.
The episodes have catchy titles like "Good Girls Walk Into A Porn Magazine" and "Time Off For Bad Behavior." Romolini interviews Guccione himself, his son, and former employees of Viva, all asking the question, "What kind of person thinks they should be in charge of a women's sex magazine?"
Guccione's idea of a feminist sexual revolution turned out to be quite similar to Penthouse, with even some of the same staff members in key positions. The photographs were taken from a male perspective, and the advertisements featured products aimed at men, like tips on "growing boobs" - as if any woman would want the back pain that comes with that. One former Viva writer, speaking on the podcast, said, "I don't think he ever stopped to consider what women wanted or needed," and it was obvious.
Despite all the evidence against him, Romolini never denies Guccione's "genius" and believes he was "ahead of his time." However, she agrees that his misogynistic approach hindered the team of feminist writers who could have truly revolutionized the space. Just imagine working for an erotica magazine focused on women but not being allowed to say the word "feminist" because your boss forbids it. The whole situation was a complete mess for these women.
According to Romolini, this docuseries is the result of 15 years of research, starting from when she found her first Viva magazine on eBay. The story she tells is like an exposé that would have made Guccione uncomfortable, as even the mere mention of his critics gets under his skin, she jokingly remarks. It's undeniable that his initial idea was brilliant, but his misogyny and refusal to accept criticism sabotaged any chance of building a real connection with women, ultimately leading to the downfall of Viva.
The Birth of Viva
Viva magazine was created in 1973. It was a German women's magazine known for its focus on sex, fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment. Viva magazine gained popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, and it continued publication for several decades.
Viva, with its soft-focus photography by renowned artists, boasted thought-provoking articles written by esteemed writers. Viva's depiction of female desire was refreshingly unconventional, featuring English-style picnics en deshabillé and couples engaged in both acrobatic and languorous acts on groovy Italian furniture.
Anna Wintour, now an iconic figure in the fashion industry, orchestrated the magazine's fashion and beauty spreads after being fired from Harper's Bazaar.
About “Stiffed” Podcast
Stiffed is an intriguing podcast that explores the phenomenon of being "stiffed" or getting the short end of the stick in various aspects of life. The podcast delves into different scenarios where individuals have been left feeling cheated, taken advantage of, or deceived. Hosted by knowledgeable and empathetic individuals, Stiffed provides a platform for people to share their stories and experiences, shedding light on the darker side of human interactions.
Each episode of Stiffed typically features interviews with individuals who have encountered situations where they felt they were treated unfairly or subjected to dishonest practices. These stories encompass a wide range of topics, including personal relationships, business dealings, customer experiences, and more. Through these narratives, the podcast aims to uncover the underlying factors that contribute to such instances and explore the emotional impact they have on the people involved.
The podcast creators and hosts of Stiffed offer a non-judgmental space for guests to recount their experiences, allowing listeners to gain insights into the complexity of these situations. The storytelling is often compelling, invoking a sense of empathy and highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing these issues.
Overall, Stiffed is an engaging podcast that shines a light on instances where people have felt deceived or wronged, exploring the emotional, social, and systemic implications of such experiences. Through thoughtful storytelling and introspection, the podcast invites listeners to reflect on their own actions and relationships, fostering empathy and understanding in a world where being "stiffed" is unfortunately all too common.
About Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour is a British-American journalist and editor-in-chief of Vogue, a renowned fashion magazine. She was born on November 3, 1949, in London, England. Wintour is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry. Her signature hairstyle and sunglasses, along with her reputation for being assertive and decisive, have earned her the nickname "Nuclear Wintour."
Wintour began her career in fashion journalism in the 1970s, working for various magazines, including Harper's Bazaar and New York Magazine. In 1988, she became the editor-in-chief of British Vogue, where she revitalized the magazine and brought a fresh and more modern perspective to its content. Her success in London led her to be appointed editor-in-chief of American Vogue in 1988, a position she has held ever since.
Under Wintour's leadership, Vogue has become a globally influential publication, setting trends and showcasing the work of top fashion designers, photographers, and models. She has a keen eye for talent and has helped launch the careers of numerous designers and models. Wintour's strong influence extends beyond the pages of the magazine, as she is known for her attendance and input at major fashion shows and events worldwide.
In addition to her role at Vogue, Wintour has also served as artistic director for Condé Nast, Vogue's parent company, since 2013. She has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including fundraising for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, where she has co-chaired the annual Met Gala since the late 1990s.
Wintour's impact on the fashion industry and popular culture has made her a highly recognizable and influential figure. She has been the subject of documentaries and books, and her personal style and leadership approach continue to inspire and shape the fashion world.
Erotic Magazines For Women
During this period, publications like "Viva," "Ms.," and "Playgirl" embraced a more progressive approach to sexuality. They aimed to cater to a female audience by featuring articles on women's health, relationships, and sexual exploration, along with tasteful nude pictorials of men. These magazines sought to empower women by celebrating their desires and providing a platform for open discussions about female sexuality.
Nowadays, erotic magazines for women cater to the diverse desires, interests, and fantasies of female readers. These publications provide a platform for women to explore their sexuality, celebrate their bodies, and engage with erotic content that appeals to their specific tastes. While the concept of erotic magazines may vary in content and approach, here are some key points to consider when discussing this topic:
Empowering Female Sexuality: Erotic magazines for women aim to empower female sexuality by offering content that promotes self-acceptance, body positivity, and sexual exploration. They challenge societal norms and stereotypes by showcasing diverse body types, sexual orientations, and desires.
A Focus on Women's Pleasure: These magazines prioritize the depiction of female pleasure and emphasize the importance of women's sexual satisfaction. Articles, stories, and visual content often revolve around techniques, tips, and discussions related to sexual pleasure and fulfillment.
Emotional Connection and Intimacy: Many erotic magazines for women place a strong emphasis on emotional connection and intimacy, recognizing that these aspects are crucial for many women to fully enjoy their sexual experiences. They may feature content that explores topics such as communication, emotional well-being, and cultivating intimate relationships.
Erotica as a Literary Genre: In addition to visual content, these magazines often include erotic fiction and poetry, recognizing the literary value of well-crafted stories that explore desire, love, and human sexuality. These written works provide an opportunity for readers to engage their imaginations and explore a wide range of fantasies.
Artistic Presentation: Erotic magazines for women frequently incorporate high-quality photography, artwork, and design to create visually appealing and tasteful presentations. The aesthetics of these publications are often geared towards celebrating the beauty of the human body and creating an atmosphere of sensuality.
Sex-Positive Perspective: These magazines typically adopt a sex-positive approach, promoting open-mindedness, consent, and respect for individual preferences. They often strive to dismantle taboos surrounding female sexuality and encourage healthy discussions about desires, boundaries, and sexual well-being.
Wrapping Up
The story of Viva serves as a reminder that the exploration of female desire is a journey that transcends time. It ignites a flame within us, urging us to break free from societal constraints and embrace the full spectrum of our sensuality. So, let us celebrate the boldness of Viva, for it continues to inspire and empower women in their quest for self-discovery and liberation, both then and now.
So, here's to Viva magazine, a true trailblazer that shone brightly, left an indelible mark, and will forever be remembered as an icon in the world of erotic publications.
The post Spicy Story Of A 70's Erotic Magazine For Women appeared first on Blog - EPORNER.