MC1R is a new publication for, about, and by redheads

Created by Hamburg based redhead Tristan Rodgers and art directed by Max Weinland, the magazine is named after the recessive melanocortin 1 receptor, or MC1R gene, a mutation of which is responsible for the occurrence of red hair and freckles. It affects just a lucky 2% of people over the world, so would appear to be a particularly niche publication – but as it’s selection for Magculture’s magazine of the week shows, there’s a lot more to it than specialist interest.

“We’re thrilled to be able to explore the phenomenon of individuality and involuntary ‘otherness’,” explain the creators, who aim to create something positive for a section of the population often subject to stereotyping and bullying, through photography, fashion editorials, interviews and a striking design in pink and orange.

Effectively showing the enduring appeal and potential of print magazines, MC1R is currently the only publication for and about redheads – and was created by them too. The first issue was released in German last year, but in order to reach a wider international audience the current issue was released in English, with the next issue planned for later this year.