On September 17, Bedford Media, owned by fashion model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss, announced the appointment of Thom Bettridge as Editor-in-Chief and Chief Brand Officer of the UK-based fashion and culture magazine, i-D Magazine.
Bettridge will now oversee all creative aspects, editorial direction, and brand strategy for i-D, supervising everything from digital and print content production to the expansion of commercial platforms. Under his leadership, i-D will collaborate with creators from various fields and guide a global creative community.
Bettridge brings extensive experience from publications such as 032c, Interview, and HighSnobiety. He has also held positions as Creative Director and Vice President of Content at the Canadian online retailer, Ssense.
Bedford Media, the publisher of i-D Magazine, expressed its confidence in Bettridge, stating that the brand has been “a disruptor for over 40 years, the new i-D, under Bettridge’s guidance, will once again expand beyond fashion, into all areas of culture that matter to a new generation of creative people.”
Kloss, the founder and chair of Bedford Media, added, “No one embodies the future of i-D more than Thom. His creative instinct and cultural fluency make him the ideal person to chart the magazine’s next chapter. I trust in Thom’s vision and know the magazine is poised to leave yet another indelible mark on the world under his leadership.”
Founded in 1980 by former VOGUE art director Terry Jones, i-D quickly gained cult status for its edgy fusion of fashion and culture against the backdrop of London’s punk and rock scenes. Known for its unique perspective and insights into emerging cultures, the magazine has captivated readers worldwide.
However, the magazine’s future was thrown into uncertainty after its parent company, Vice Media Group, filed for bankruptcy in 2023. Bedford Media’s acquisition of the magazine marks a new beginning, ushering in a fresh era of innovation under Bettridge’s leadership.
Earlier this month, i-D relaunched its website, reviving the essence that once made the magazine beloved by many, while reestablishing its distinctive take on fashion, music, art, film, and culture.
Additionally, i-D plans to return its highly anticipated print edition in March 2025. The magazine will shift to a biannual release, making way for new print concepts and multi-platform projects. Kloss and Bedford Media’s CEO, Nicole Muniz, are working closely to ensure that the iconic punk spirit of this platform will once again resonate with audiences around the world.
Further announcements regarding i-D’s new editorial team are expected to be made in the coming weeks.