London to get local mag for women

Real Women London, a monthly, full-colour magazine to launch this week will feature plus-size models, modern fashions found in London, local restaurant reviews and many other features and columns, all with a local emphasis. This, according to a story in the London Free Press.

“We like to think of it as our own little Oprah magazine,” says publisher Shelly Wilson, who has partnered with editor-in-chief Jane Antoniak and associate editor Shelley Vandermolen to create what they say is the city's first locally-produced women’s magazine.

The publication will be delivered by Canada Post to 20,000 London households. Another 1,500 are available at Chapters North, Remark Fresh Market and the Covent Garden Market, where the launch takes place Friday.

Antoniak, who has been a journalist for 20 years said: “Our demographic is busy - busy working, caring for children, parents, dogs ... involved in the community. We wanted to have very realistic information.

“We really want feedback,” Antoniak says. “We really want to reflect what’s on the minds ... of women in our city.” She said that while local magazines have come and gone, she believes this one will work because it’s local, has strong editorial content and a nice layout.

“We have a lot of belief in this product. I think it’s beautiful.”