Dàme is an independent magazine entirely focused on women's bodies. We were drawn to their stall at IndieCon in Hamburg by its back covers asking, in bold letters, "how do you feel about your belly?" and "how do you feel about your legs?" As women, we've had quite a few thoughts about our legs and bellies over the years, so we were immediately intrigued.

Fully bilingual, with every feature written in both Italian and English, Dàme is a refreshing read that examines how we feel about ourselves. Women's magazines and lifestyle websites tend to tell you what you need to do to improve your arms, hair, weight or belly. Dàme rejects this and instead features women speaking honestly about their bodies and the social, cultural and historical contexts that have shaped our experience.

We sat down with editor and co-founder Sara Augugliaro to talk about this exciting magazine.

Who's the team behind the magazine and how did you come together?

Sara: Dàme was founded by my brother Andrea and me. Our collaborative effort reflects a blend of my expertise in fashion journalism and public relations, and Andrea's skills in graphic design and media. He graduated from IED in Milan. This combination has been crucial in shaping the magazine's look and editorial direction.

I always love to share our story because we started with no experience, funding or financial support. Just two creatives passionately continuing a project alongside their full-time jobs.

What a lovely thing to be able to do with your sibling. Was there a moment or something in particular that sparked the idea?

Sara: It's a bit of a continuous thread that began during my second year at university. I conducted a study on Instagram filters to understand the motivations and objectives that drive people to alter their images on social media. Then in my third year, I thought the best culmination of my studies would be to create a magazine for my thesis that continued exploring women's bodies.

Thanks to my educational journey in the United States and London, I recognised the intense pressure in Italy to conform to often unrealistic beauty ideals, more pronounced than abroad. I realised how much the Italian scene lacked an authentic and inclusive publication that represented women's bodies as they are, without resorting to Photoshop, addressing often overlooked taboo topics in traditional media.

Growing up, I never came across articles saying it was okay for women to have a belly. Instead, I found numerous articles on slimming exercises, miraculous detox teas, and advice on what to wear to hide so-called flaws. This certainly contributes to the pervasive idea that something is wrong with us and that we need to be physically perfect to be valued as individuals.

Dàme was created to focus on its community, featuring images of ordinary women, their stories, positive or negative, related to the body, narrated with a direct and honest voice.

I bet you've had some lovely feedback from readers.

Sara: Dàme's approach to discussing topics like body image in a non-prescriptive, introspective way has resonated well with its audience. The magazine focuses on everyday experiences and feelings about one's body, without promoting self-improvement narratives, which has been refreshing for many readers. We receive daily DMs from people thanking us because our magazine makes them feel better and more confident. They feel represented, seen and understood.

What's your favourite thing you've discovered or favourite bit of wisdom from making the first three issues?

Sara: It's incredibly rewarding to see how this focus on authenticity and inclusivity has encouraged our readers to engage more deeply with their own stories and with each other, promoting a healthier, more accepting view of body diversity. This journey has reinforced my belief that when media takes the responsibility to represent all bodies and stories genuinely, it can lead to meaningful change.

Working on Dàme has allowed me the opportunity to connect with a variety of creatives from different fields. Each collaboration not only enriches our magazine with diverse perspectives but also fosters a network of relationships that extend beyond professional boundaries into genuine friendships.

This process has also taught me the importance of resilience. Running a small business is both tiring and challenging, and there have been moments of doubt and discouragement. But seeing the positive impact our work has on others, and the support we've built within our creative community, continually motivates me to push forward.

You've done belly, legs and hair. Do you know what you're going to explore next? And what will you do when you run out of body parts?

Sara: Throughout the first three issues of Dàme we've explored various aspects of women's bodies. Starting with the tummy, then legs, then hair. Each theme allowed us to delve into different cultural, social and personal narratives, providing a broader understanding of how body parts are perceived and the emotional impact they carry.

We'll be exploring the theme of skin in our upcoming issue. The open call has been up and running and has already received interesting submissions. It's an annual publication, so I don't think we'll run out of parts any time soon. There's so much we could address in relation to the body. For instance, I don't exclude dedicating an issue entirely to mental health.

Finally, we ask everyone this. In this day and age, why make a print magazine?

Sara: In an era dominated by fleeting online material and misinformation, Dàme's choice to publish in print form is a deliberate effort to create a tangible, credible source that stands out for its quality and reliability.

The print format allows for deeper engagement with the material, encouraging readers to reflect at a more thoughtful pace. This choice aligns with the magazine's commitment to creating a lasting impact on its readers, providing a space for genuine discussion and connection.

Communicating a message of acceptance, diversity and inclusion through journalism and publishing is crucial, as media significantly influence how we perceive ourselves and others. Traditional media often perpetuate unrealistic beauty ideals. Through independent journalism and publishing, like with Dàme, it's possible to dismantle these stereotypes and promote an authentic representation of all body types, contributing to a more inclusive and respectful society.

The project is in print because it serves as a slow read that must be savoured, enjoyed and understood. Amid the noise of the web, Dàme aims to be a reference point for these issues. But Dàme is not only an inclusive magazine. It's a platform, a safe place, a community, a source of inspiration and comfort.

Thanks so much, Sara. You can browse our current stock of Dàme in the shop here.