■ About the Publication

Magazine B is an ad-free monthly publication that dedicates each issue to one well-balanced brand unearthed from around the globe. The magazine introduces the brand’s hidden stories, as well as its sensibility and culture, and is an easy but also serious read for anyone with an interest in brands.

■ About the Publisher

JOH & Company is a creative company founded in April 2011 by Suyong Joh, former Director of Creative Marketing & Design at NHN. He oversaw and directed the construction of NHN Green Factory, which is the headquarters of NHN, the company that has earned domestic and international reputation as “Google of Korea.” He also created a sensation in the publishing world when he compiled the construction process in a publication, Green Factory. Currently, he leads JOH & Company, a group of creative directors that he has brought together from various fields, and he is conducting complex projects encompassing architectural design, brand consultation, interior, food & beverage service, and product design, based on his own experience. The first fruit of such endeavor is magazine B.

■ About the Issue

This month we introduce Nars, a cosmetics brand launched by French makeup artist Francois Nars in New York in 1994. The simply designed, but vividly pigmented, cosmetic brand is loved by many professional makeup artists and women who admire the images that the brand suggests. Nars has maintained a long partnership with Fabien Baron, who designed the matte black packaging that forms a large part of the brand’s strong identity. Also, Nars has been breaking away from trends in choosing models and made unconventional choices to suggest authentic feminine beauty. Inspired by its founder, Nars has become known as a brand loved primarily by consumers who want to project a professional air, and as one that represents confident, sexy women.

Strength and clarity of expression make a person seem more confident and powerful, and I dream of a brand with the same sort of strength. If a bottle of water or juice from a specific brand successfully represents a particular individual’s unique fantasy, then the brand has accomplished its goal. I’m certain that if a brand is founded on professionalism, and consistently maintains the level of quality, it will win the hearts of those who appreciate the same values. A good brand will most likely be created by highly confident professionals.