AGENT2: A Digital Fashion Magazine

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This was the website of the digital fashion magazine, AGENT2,  that was live from 2009-2012. The content below is from the site's 2012 archived content.

Co-Founders

Graham Gartside-Bernier is the founder, Editor-in-Chief and driving force behind AGENT2 Magazine. A young high school wunderkind, he made a name for himself marketing eco friendly trash bags to green conscious customers, mainly high end stores as a wholesale distributor. He was quick to recognize that the popularity of all things green was not a fad and that even garbage bags could make a meaningful difference to a more environmentally aware world. The small plastic bags business was sold to a major supply company before he graduated and is still a going concern. Although the exact pathway is not direct, clearly sometimes a background hawking trash bags can lead to a most unexpected outcome - from trash to high fashion.

After a career in public relations at the head of GTWO-PR and working with international fashion and luxury brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Richard Kidd, Harvey Nichols and Komakino; Gartside-Bernier has turned his passion for avant-garde fashion and the world’s finest brands into a publication that champions up-and-coming designers from around the globe as well as delivering the finest lifestyle stories to inspire luxury-loving, design-savvy readers that set trends rather than follow them.

AGENT2’s Art Director and co-founder, Vincent Bernier always ensures the publication steps out in style as he keeps us looking our best.  Practicing artist, graphic designer and all round bastion of good taste, when not chained to the desk Vincent can be found traveling the world casting his unique eye for detail over foreign destinations and reporting back for AGENT2’s discerning readers.

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2012

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JASPER GARVIDA’S 2012 SPRING/SUMMER FASHION SHOW

IT WAS ALL ABOUT LUXURY AND GLITZ AT JASPER GARVIDA’S FASHION SHOW FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2012, WHICH WAS PRESENTED AT THE BLOOMSBURY HOTEL.

Women are Garvida’s main inspiration and for this collection, he has chosen Diana Vreland as his muse, due to her sense of style and passion for the daring and the exotic. His other main influence has been the rhythm found in Frantisek Kupka’s painting ‘Autour d’un Point’, from where the collection took its name.

Strong silhouettes in metallic colours such as gold and silver, combined with black and white, give the collection a crisp and elegant touch.

Garvida has mixed soft fabrics and circular shapes with strong materials such as sequins and abstracted feathers, and animal prints to create a futuristic and ‘electro-tribal’ feel.

Spectacular evening gowns with strong metallic hardware and short dresses with oversized pockets and striking zips were the key pieces in this sophisticated and glamorous collection.

Garvida’s designs are very popular among celebrities and fashionistas. TV presenter Hofit Golan and singer Katie Melua were in attendance.

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LISBON FASHION WEEK 2012

LESS KNOWN THAN OTHER FASHION WEEKS BUT TRYING HARD TO ESTABLISH ITS NAME IN THE FASHION WORLD, LISBON FASHION WEEK IS A REFRESHING SOCIAL EVENT AND FASHION SHOW THAT, ALTHOUGH NOT YET ON THE SAME LEVEL AS THE BIG 4 (PARIS, MILANO, NEW YORK, LONDON), IS BECOMING BIGGER AND BETTER EACH YEAR WITH QUIRKY AND CREATIVE DESIGNERS WHO CELEBRATE FASHION AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.

Portuguese designer V!tor showcased a dark and sinister collection, where models had their faces covered in “burka style” at the elegant venue Camara Municipal de Lisboa. Ripped t-shirts combined with jeans, dresses and pullovers were the key pieces in a collection inspired by death, zombies and resurrection, where black was the star colour. Street fashion-meets-punk-meets-the-80s-spirit.

Models with painted glasses over the faces and high pony tails opened the runway in a quirky and fun collection designed by Katty Xiomara. Capes, oversized sleeves, bows and mid-length dresses in a colour palette of blues, purples and lime green were the main highlights in this girly and playful collection for a woman who doesn’t take herself too seriously.

At the spectacular location Patio da Gale, designer Dino Alves presented an extravagant collection that explores the nature and meaning of shadows. The models made an entrance standing in a podium where their outfits where illuminated creating a three-dimensional effect. Short grey dresses with black leather gloves, oversized pockets and high-waisted skirts with abstract prints added a futuristic touch to this innovative collection.

Ricardo Petro showcased slick outfits such as maxi skirts, oversized sweaters and mini dresses in white, dark green, peach, black and cream. The result was a serious and elegant collection for a woman who wants to be stylish without showing too much.

It was all about zips and short dresses in the romantic and stylish collection from Os Burgueses. Red, black and white colours where mixed with fabrics such as denim, leather and wool to create a chic collection that oozed “high-school elegance”, sophistication and sensuality.

Male models barefoot with long coats, thick jumpers and scarves presented a look perfect for snowy days and cold winters in style. Grey was the protagonist in this practical collection with an icy feel by designer Daniel Dinis.

Reminiscent of the punk movement and the world of hockey, Maria Gambina presented a rebellious collection where strong colours such as electric blue, red, black and white were combined with padded technical fabrics and original ankle boots, which looked like skates, to create striking designs that exuded attitude and provocation.

To the rhythm of Portuguese guitar the show started, and what a show it was! Fur shined in this stunning and trendy collection by Miguel Vieira, for women and men who want to show off their most glamorous side. A series of exquisite outfits for dandies and femme fatales who want to feel like a hundred million dollars. Bow tie, white trousers and shirts combined with elegant trainers was the main look for men, while for women fur everywhere, from skirts to sleeves, long evening gowns and high-waisted skirts with sequins were the key pieces in this luxurious and tremendously chic catwalk show.

Nuno Baltazar’s collection, “The man I love”, displayed sophisticated and feminine silhouettes in a colour palette of blacks, oranges and greys. Nuno makes a personal interpretation of Pina Bausch’s universe and analyzes the female condition featuring elegant and urban pieces in soft fabrics such as cotton, viscose and wool. Bodysuits, one-shoulder dresses and big puffy sleeves were accessorized with stilettos and clutches creating stylish and timeless designs.

Lisbon Fashion Week presented original designs that had a commercial feeling and awareness of the consumers’ needs and preferences. Although this year’s edition was affected by Portugal’s economic crisis and the loss of one of its main sponsors, Portuguese designers are claiming their place in the fashion world with inspiring and innovative pieces.

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DANISH WAKEEL FASHION SHOW 2012

FASHION DESIGNER AND MODEL DANISH WAKEEL PRESENTED HIS FIRST WEARABLE MENSWEAR COLLECTION AT ONE IN LEICESTER SQUARE.

Danish’s collection, “Draped Modern Kouroi”, is inspired by the concept of drapes, which in the past were worn by Greeks, Egyptians, Romans… Nowadays, drapes are usually associated with women but Danish breaks boundaries creating traditional outfits with a modern twist such as togas, frock coats, sarongs and caftans.

The show started with the presentation of the fashion film “Danish Wakeel’s The Ivory Tower”, a short movie that showcased Danish’s new collection and analysed the different sides of the fashion industry from Danish’s point of view.

Mixing street style with classic British tailoring and luxurious fabrics, the collection featured structured silhouettes in a colour palette of black, white, dark red and blue for confident and stylish men who want to be noticed wherever they go, highlighting the “diva-attitude” inside them.

The key pieces were a beautifully crafted black long jacket, an asymmetric jacket with floral prints, a revealing short top and the stunning final piece: an elegant white suit with a matching t-shirt.

A truly unique collection that showed off the most seductive, intriguing and fashionable side of men.

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LFW AUTUMN/WINTER 2012: BERNARD CHANDRAN

1940S GLAMOUR WITH A VERY MODERN TWIST WAS THE ORDER OF THE DAY AT THE BERNARD CHANDRAN SHOW IN THE VAUXHAULL FASHION SCOUT VENUE AT FREEMASON’S HALL. THE SIZE OF THE CROWD WAITING TO PACKED INTO THE VENUE WAS A CLEAR INDICATOR OF THE POPULARITY AND BUZZ SURROUNDING THE DESIGNER.

The show opened with two models walking in tandem in day suits, but it was the unusual details in the eveningwear that really stood out through the collection. The vintage feel of the collection was emphasised by the classic victory rolls worn by the models, while extreme detailing and textures kept it firmly in 2012. Neck adornment was key and ranged from oversized collars to sequined embellishment matching the lip shaped invites sent out to attendees, while the dresses themselves featured cut out shapes, heavy sequinning and sharp angles. The shades of the collection stayed mostly in the monochrome set with occasionally forays into vivid blue and blush pink. The most striking look in the collection was that of a vibrant blue lace evening dress covered in fur detailing which clung to the curves of the model for maximum impact. A less wearable collection than the designer’s previous perhaps, but an exciting one which goes a long way to showing why such celebrities as Lady Gaga are such fans.

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LFW AUTUMN/WINTER 2012: SPIJKERS EN SPIJKERS

ENTITLED ‘BIRDS OF PARADISE’, THE DUTCH TWINS SENT THEIR MODELS FOR THEIR AUTUMN/WINTER SHOW GLIDING DOWN THE RUNWAY DRESSED IN A RICH AUTUMNAL PALETTE OF RUSTS, MUSTARDS, PURPLES AND BLUES WITH THE TITULAR BIRD EVIDENT IN NOT JUST THE COLOURS BUT EMBROIDERED ONTO CHESTS AND THROUGH FEATHERS ON PREPPY LOAFERS. BIRDS OF PARADISE ALSO REFERS...

 

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More Background on Agent2Magazine.com

Agent2Magazine.com was the digital home of AGENT2, a fashion-forward online magazine that operated from 2009 to 2012. Renowned for its sharp editorial voice and trendsetting coverage, AGENT2 carved out a unique niche in the digital publishing landscape, targeting a discerning audience passionate about contemporary fashion, design, culture, and lifestyle. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the website’s history, ownership, editorial philosophy, content, audience, cultural significance, and its legacy in the world of digital fashion media.

 

AGENT2 Magazine was founded and led by Graham Gartside-Bernier, who served as Editor-in-Chief. Gartside-Bernier’s journey to fashion publishing was unconventional; he first made his mark as a young entrepreneur marketing eco-friendly trash bags to high-end, environmentally conscious retailers. This early business was sold to a major supply company before he graduated high school, demonstrating his knack for identifying trends and consumer needs.

Afterward, Gartside-Bernier transitioned into public relations, leading GTWO-PR and collaborating with international fashion and luxury brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Richard Kidd, Harvey Nichols, and Komakino. These experiences laid the groundwork for AGENT2, which he envisioned as a platform for avant-garde fashion and luxury lifestyle content, championing both emerging designers and established brands.

The magazine’s visual identity and creative direction were shaped by co-founder and Art Director Vincent Bernier. A practicing artist and graphic designer, Vincent brought a global perspective and a keen eye for aesthetic detail, ensuring AGENT2’s visual content was as compelling as its editorial.

Editorial Philosophy and Goals

AGENT2’s editorial mission was to transcend the merely “trendy,” instead focusing on what was just ahead in fashion, design, and culture. The magazine positioned itself as a publication for leaders and early adopters—readers who didn’t just follow trends but set them. Its content was crafted for style-savvy individuals interested in exclusive brands, innovative ideas, and the intersection of high culture and everyday life.

The magazine’s stated goal was to offer a “delectable dish of style and grace; a contemporary philosophy for the vogue generation and those always in the know.” AGENT2 prided itself on originality, creativity, and a forward-thinking approach, often highlighting up-and-coming designers and new social trends before they hit the mainstream.

Fashion Coverage

AGENT2’s core content revolved around high fashion, contemporary design, and the latest in luxury lifestyle. The magazine regularly featured:

• Designer Profiles and Interviews: Spotlighting both established and emerging talents, such as Jasper Garvida, whose 2012 Spring/Summer show was covered in detail, emphasizing luxury, glitz, and innovative use of metallics and silhouettes.

• Runway Reports: In-depth coverage of major fashion events, including London Fashion Week and Lisbon Fashion Week, with detailed commentary on collections, themes, and standout designers.

• Trend Analysis: Articles that dissected current and upcoming trends, often with a global perspective.

Lifestyle and Culture

Beyond fashion, AGENT2 explored modern dining, travel, and cultural phenomena. The magazine’s features included:

• Reviews of unique dining experiences and new restaurants.

• Explorations of travel destinations with a focus on design and luxury.

• Coverage of art, music, and cultural events influencing the fashion world.

Notable Event Coverage

• Jasper Garvida’s 2012 Spring/Summer Fashion Show: Highlighted for its luxurious and glamorous designs, strong silhouettes, and metallic colors, inspired by Diana Vreeland and the works of Frantisek Kupka.

• Lisbon Fashion Week 2012: Showcased the rise of Portuguese designers and the event’s growing significance, with coverage of innovative and creative collections.

• Danish Wakeel’s 2012 Menswear Collection: Featured for its modern reinterpretation of classical drapery and blending of street style with British tailoring.

• London Fashion Week 2012: Detailed reports on designers like Bernard Chandran and Spijkers en Spijkers, focusing on their unique approaches and celebrity followings.

Audience and Popularity

AGENT2 targeted a global audience of style-savvy readers, trendsetters, and consumers of exclusive brands. Its readership was described as:

• Interested in discovering new trends and ideas before they become mainstream.

• Proud consumers of high-end, innovative brands.

• Individuals who thrive on creativity and forward-thinking, often setting their own trends for others to follow.

The magazine’s reputation for originality and its focus on what’s next in fashion and culture helped it gain a dedicated following among industry insiders, fashion enthusiasts, and creative professionals.

Cultural and Social Significance

AGENT2 played a role in bridging high fashion with broader cultural movements. For example, its feature on Batman T-shirts reflected a playful nod to popular culture, recognizing the iconic status of such items even within the high-fashion context. The magazine’s willingness to explore the intersection of luxury and mainstream culture set it apart from more traditional fashion publications.

By championing up-and-coming designers and highlighting innovative trends, AGENT2 contributed to the evolving conversation around fashion’s role in society. Its coverage of international events, diverse designers, and global trends underscored its commitment to inclusivity and cultural relevance.

Press, Media Coverage, and Awards

While AGENT2 was highly regarded within niche fashion circles for its editorial quality and trendsetting content, there is limited public record of mainstream media awards or large-scale press coverage. However, its in-depth event reports, designer interviews, and unique editorial voice garnered attention from fashion professionals, bloggers, and boutique media outlets.

Menus, Location, and Proximity

As a digital magazine, AGENT2 did not have a physical location, menu, or proximity to landmarks. Its “menu” was its diverse content offerings, ranging from fashion and design to culture and travel.

Reviews and Reader Reception

AGENT2 was praised for its:

• Fresh creativity and originality in both writing and visual presentation.

• Ability to spot and promote emerging trends and designers before they reached mainstream popularity.

• Engaging coverage of international fashion events and cultural phenomena.

• Sophisticated, forward-thinking editorial perspective.

Readers and industry insiders appreciated the magazine’s sharp panache and its commitment to delivering a contemporary philosophy for the “vogue generation.”

History and Legacy

Launched in 2009, AGENT2 quickly established itself as a leader in digital fashion publishing. Its three-year run coincided with a period of rapid change in the media landscape, as traditional print publications grappled with the rise of online platforms. AGENT2’s embrace of multimedia content, global perspectives, and digital-first strategies positioned it as a pioneer among independent fashion magazines.

Despite ceasing publication in 2012, AGENT2’s influence can still be seen in the way contemporary fashion media values originality, cross-cultural inspiration, and a willingness to push boundaries. Its legacy endures in the careers it helped launch, the trends it spotlighted, and the readers it inspired to think differently about style and culture.

 

Agent2Magazine.com stands as a testament to the power of independent digital publishing in shaping the conversation around fashion, design, and culture. Through its innovative editorial approach, commitment to originality, and celebration of both established and emerging talents, AGENT2 left an indelible mark on the world of fashion media. Its story is one of creativity, vision, and the enduring appeal of those who dare to lead rather than follow.

 

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