Smudgetikka interviewed the founder and creative force behind Papier Mache magazine Beck Marshall about her fabulous new title, The New Story which is launching this summer at Playtime Berlin.
The New Story embraces motherhood in all its forms with the same feel as Papier Mache and will feature shoots with both women and children but also with a new authenticity.
Hi Beck, when did your interest in fashion first begin?
“Very very young. The story goes I refused to let my mum dress me from a very early age. Its been ongoing since. As I get older I am less interested in my own personal style, and more interested in fashion across a variety of landscapes.”

Photo by Anouk Nitsche, stylist Mafer Navas for Papier Mache
All of us in the kids wear business love and are inspired by Papier Mache magazine, tell me how and when did the idea first come about for you?
“I was working for a publishing group in Australia producing various children’s publications, as well as working for a Japanese children’s brand. I spent a lot of time researching and discovering. I started a little blog sharing the things I loved – it got some interest so I thought maybe its a good time to put something fun online. At that time there was only the very clever girls producing ‘Small’ – so together with my friend Paul we launched Papier Mache.”

Fashion from Papier Mache with the family theme, photo by Melanie Rodriguex, styling Deborah Sfez
The New Story is a progression onwards from Papier Mache, how would you describe this new title?
“Its an evolution. My interests, ideals and what I want to discuss have changed over the last 10 years. In this current climate I feel the reader is shouting for ‘real’ content. Content that speaks honestly. I also feel the market is a little saturated with publications and it was naturally time to expand.
The new story’ focuses on childhood, motherhood & celebrates womanhood in all its forms. We focus on the essence of what it means to be a mother, a woman, a creator, a child. We celebrate a new consciousness. We gather a clever constellation of the industries most creative talent to bring you unique & inspirational photography. We aim to establish a dialogue that engages meaningful conversation and begins a community.”

Photo by Ulla Nyeman for Papier Mache, stylist Julie Vianey
In the last 20 years the kids fashion world has expanded incredibly, how do you curate and select which brands to feature in your magazine?
“It certainly has! I was actually discussing this with a friend the other day. We were reminiscing buying a ‘No Added Sugar’ baby tee in a store in Brighton, England about 17 years ago for my daughter and thinking ‘hallelujah’. Over the last 6 years the industry has grown at a rapid rate. During that time we have worked very closely with brands we feel align to our ideals. It seems natural we find sense in each other.
Its been exciting to watch them grow and I have made wonderful friends along the way.Its always exciting to discover a new label. Someone original and brave.Its contagious as well among stylists…if they are new & impressive or have an innovative collection you will feel it ripple through the creatives.”

Inspiration shot for The New Story
We now see a lot of kids brands venturing into teen and capsule adult sizes, has this had an effect on your vision for the new magazine?
“A little yes. As the industry became more ingenious the more we heard ‘I wish that came in my size’. We started with the idea of a teen magazine a fair few years ago.At the time the landscape for teen brands was fairly dry – but the calling was great.
Its wonderful to see labels have heard the calls and are responding with such inspiring work. For us it makes for fuller content and bolder vision. So its a win win. “

Inspiration shot for The New Story
The photography you feature has a very distinctive quality, do you brief to your vision or choose photographers that fit your style?
“A little bit of both. We have a very close team. Melanie Rodriguez, Deb Sfez & I have worked together for years and years and are completely synchronised. It can sometimes just start with a colour combination or an image and between us becomes a story. Normally for each issue we mood board a lot for each editorial and depending on the team and their own personal vision the idea evolves.
We are very lucky to have such clever talent in this industry – think Esperanza Moya, Maddalena Montaguti, Federico Leone, Charlotte Huguet, Mafer Navas, Anouk Nitsche and Ulla Nyeman. I work with wonderful friends & am constantly inspired by their brilliant minds. At the end of the issue I feel blessed to have been part of the process and each time we grow a little more connected to each other.”

Inspiration for The New Story
How do you think the fashion world will cope with the challenges facing us all in the years ahead?
“The fashion world copes. That’s the beauty of it. It rises and falls, adapts and evolves. It shouts when it needs to and goes soft when times are less fragile. I feel the consumer’s consciousness is maturing also. It simply has to.”
What is the most inspirational thing you have seen in the last six months?
“That’s a tricky one. I’m constantly inspired. Really I have been most inspired by the brave rising of humanity. Across all world issues. I am inspired by those using their voice, their time or resources to fight for equality and justice. Those people constantly reminding us to resist and show empathy.
To educate those around us and to keep paying attention. We all need to ask ourselves what can I do? Big or small but keep on doing for our communities, for our families, for our future.”
Thank you Beck, we wish you a great future for The New Story.
Photos where credited from Papier Mache magazine courtesy Beck Marshall- all rights reserved.Posts copyright Smudgetikka – no reproduction without permission 2009-2017