About VAGA magazine
VAGA’s web archive meticulously explores the dynamic realms of men’s style, cutting-edge fashion, captivating art, and the world of modern masculinity. Our mission is to provide a curated digital platform where these facets intersect and inspire. We spotlight the trailblazers of style, the visionaries of contemporary art, and the skilled photographers who capture it all, offering a testament to the ever-evolving tapestry of men’s lifestyle.
VAGA [as in vagabond] was founded in New York City in 2009 as a print style and arts magazine by journalist and art director Fernando Lahoz. VAGA magazine is registered at the US Library of Congress with ISSN Number 2158-8716.
Over the years, we have had the privilege of featuring and documenting the work of remarkable artists and creators, capturing their voices, ideas, and contributions to culture. Some of them are no longer with us, yet these features serve as enduring testaments to their artistry and impact. For instance, back in 2015 our contributing editor Sean Carroll met with poet and artist Taylor Mead, the last of Andy Warhol’s Superstars, this interview offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era of avant-garde expression. Similarly, our conversation with the late Brooklyn street artist Bäst, conducted by New York art curator Natalie Kates, preserves his innovative spirit and satirical artistry, ensuring that his creative legacy continues to inspire. These archives not only celebrate their contributions but also preserve their stories for future generations, ensuring that their creative spirit continues to inspire.
In addition to chronicling artistic brilliance, we’ve also shared powerful stories of resilience and overcoming adversity. One such piece is the moving testimony of blind New York photographer John Dugdale, in a poignant interview conducted by CBS TV journalist Robert Sosa, Dugdale reflects on his personal journey and the transformative power of art, reminding us that creativity often flourishes in the face of hardship. These stories offer more than inspiration—they serve as proof of the human spirit’s capacity to endure, create, and illuminate.
In addition to honoring established artists, we are committed to identifying and showcasing emerging talents before they achieve mainstream recognition. Our early interview with Zoë Kravitz highlighted her burgeoning career, offering insights into her artistic journey. We have also engaged with renowned figures such as Shirley Manson of the band Garbage, discussing her perspectives on music, advocacy, and authenticity.
To document and anticipate upcoming trends in the art scene, we actively participate in prominent art fairs like Miami Art Basel. Our coverage of Art Basel Miami Beach provides an in-depth look at the event’s highlights. Through these efforts, we aim to provide our audience with a comprehensive understanding of both current and future developments in men’s lifestyle, fashion, art and culture.
Feel free to check the photos from our VAGA Issue #3 issue Launch Party back in 2012/2013 [before social media killed going out and people still got to meet each other at parties] 😉 https://guestofaguest.com/new-york/galleries/2012/may/vaga-magazine-3rd-issue-launch-party
Additional Contributors and Content Highlights
Natalie Kates
Natalie Kates is a New York City-based gallerist, curator, and producer of art-related events. Over the past 15 years, she has built a contemporary art collection that began with early street art pieces. In 2020, she launched KATES-FERRI PROJECTS, initially as a nomadic artist residency fostering collaborations across New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. By 2022, the project established a permanent space at in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, aiming to create a platform for global conversation while building a diverse, inclusive, and engaged community of art lovers.
Highlights from original articles by author Natalie Kates:
Artist Emilio Pérez Takes Times Square on a Visual Trip
Meant for Beautiful People, Stephen Sprouse Collections
J. Simpson
J. Simpson is a Portland-based writer, musician, and cultural critic dedicated to creating deep, meaningful, and timeless work. He explores the intersection of art, music, literature, and philosophy, striving for excellence and clarity in a noisy digital world.
Highlights from original articles by author J. Simpson:
Sia Bio: Sunlight Through Deadened Skies
About Jaden Smith As The New Face Of Louis Vuitton And Gender-Bending Fashion
Maya Amoah
Maya Amoah is a journalist, political scientist, and human rights advocate, as well as the founder of BATIK BOUTIK. Inspired by her Ghanaian roots, she launched the brand in 2017 after experiencing the rich tailoring culture and vibrant textiles of Ghana’s Aburi mountains. With a lifelong passion for fashion, she previously created Nebula Artwear at 15, selling hand-painted thrifted clothing across Canada.
Highlights from original articles by author Maya Amoah:
Social Permaculture: Off-Grid Living in Portugal
African Feminism with Nigerian Journalist Chika Oduah
Editorial Integrity, Fair Use & AI Transparency
VAGA magazine / VAGAZINE.com is an independent editorial platform dedicated to informing, inspiring, and entertaining readers through cultural, style commentary, reviews, and visual-artistic storytelling. All references to names, brands, images, trademarks, or copyrighted materials are used strictly for editorial and educational purposes. We operate under the principles of fair use as outlined in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act — including purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
Our content may occasionally incorporate AI tools to help inform, illustrate, or visualize ideas in ways that enhance storytelling and accessibility. These tools are used creatively and responsibly, always in service of editorial expression.
We do not accept payment, gifts, or sponsorships in exchange for editorial coverage. While we may display ads through a third-party ad network, these placements are automated and do not influence our content. If affiliate links or promotional partnerships are ever included, they will be clearly disclosed.
If you are the copyright holder of any material used and believe your rights are being infringed, please contact us directly for prompt removal or credit adjustment.
Submissions and Contact
To get in touch with the editorial team please reach out below. Also for photography editorial submissions and other partnerships, you can contact us at contact[at]vagazine.com
Also through X at @vagamagazine