After a 17-year run as editor-in-chief, Martin will become editorial director with a focus on expanding the Gentlewoman brand as the title recruits a new editor.
Penny Martin is passing the baton at The Gentlewoman. After 17 years as its editor-in-chief, Martin will become editorial director with a focus on expanding The Gentlewoman brand as the title recruits a new editor with a “fresh perspective.”
“As our company continues to grow, I feel now is the moment to recruit a fresh perspective on how women think and live to reflect these changing times,” Martin said in a statement.
Launched in 2010 as the sister publication to Dutch duo Gert Jonkers and Jop van Bennokom’s Fantastic Man, the bi-annual style magazine cut through a cluttered media landscape with an intelligent take on fashion and culture aimed at smart, tasteful, modern women much like Martin herself. Its covers rarely feature models, instead spotlighting figures like Phoebe Philo, Beyoncé, Zadie Smith, Sofia Coppola, Margaret Atwood and Coco Gauff.
The Gentlewoman was early to the opportunity in community events. The Gentlewoman Club has organised outings, sponsored by brands, ranging from breakfast with Missoni at Harrods to a walking tour of the Scottish Highlands with Canada Goose. The strategy found traction as fashion labels embraced cafes, cultural events and more to connect with clients.
“I look forward to seeing much more of you as we tour the world with The Gentlewoman Club,” Martin said.
Martin was previously a curator at the Women’s Library, editor of Nick Knight’s fashion website SHOWstudio and chair of fashion imagery at London College of Fashion.