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I like the New York Times! After a year or more of searching at stories to present to readers the NYT’s is always at or near the top of the list for great news or at least ideas. Since going to a free online version, one of the world’s most informative and cutting edge newspapers has (in my opinion) even stepped it up a notch. Today the online variant debut a super elegant “Style Magazine” called Art and Soul. Though the content is a little sparse right now, this elegant new approach to Web chic has great potential.

The focus of this magazine is of course on art and the ways in which it shapes our culture (well also selling expensive baubles too). The debut holiday issue there now includes a casual interview with Screen Goddess Natalie Portman and also images, video, articles, exquisite products and also a remix section. I was very impressed with both the Portman interview and the great imagery an article about Kenneth Paul Block the artist. There is also a blog called The Moment with breaking news and commentary on fashion, design, food and travel. This is great stuff even if most of us cannot afford it.

Natalie on Art and Soul

Sophistication Costs
I suppose I am a relatively sophisticated person even considering I do not shop Gucci or Saks, and I sometimes find it fascinating to venture into these posh realms in search of beautiful things. The sad irony of this particular magazine is that millions of people might enjoy what lies beneath the digital pages – yet only a few will ever be able to afford such chic and flamboyant baubles. The bottom line is that it costs to be sophisticated – either in dollars or separation anxiety over the gap between seeing and touching. Thank goodness I have been lucky enough to find much more valuable treasures outside the runways and glass cases of Bloomingdale’s.

By Kenneth Paul Block

Conclusion
Art and Soul is a great new addition to the NYT’s online platform. I am sure the editor plans on building upon this tailored and classy e-zine and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. As a word of advice to the A&S staff, it would be a good idea to lighten up on the clumsy Gucci and Louis Vuitton ads scattered throughout the flash presentations. The content is great and informative, but for us Earth bound people – flashing $1000 purses at us is not exactly uplifting during the holiday season. I particularly loved the Dahlia sandals in metalized calf leather (image top) for my lady, but the $1160 price tag made me wonder if she would like the thin heels or not. Never the less, such elegant and well crafted things are beautiful (maybe I can have a garage sale and buy them for her anyway!) as is are the great articles accompanying the online catalogs.

Images courtesy - NYT’s