System Magazine Co-Founders Exit Publication

System Magazine co-founders Elizabeth von Guttman, Thomas Lenthal and Jonathan Wingfield have exited the fashion title and plan to launch a new editorial venture in 2025.

System, which began as a bi-annual fashion book in 2013, set itself apart with deft art direction and an insidery editorial line. Creative leaders including Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto and Nicolas Ghesquière gave rare interviews and posed for Juergen Teller, who shot the magazine’s covers, anchoring its relevance in the industry.

System is the latest independent title to see a management shakeup amid widespread upheaval in fashion media.

The magazine was acquired by Mike Obenson in 2020. The title launched a large format beauty spin-off called System Beauty in 2022 and worked to build a more robust digital presence.

Obenson thanked System’s co-founders in a statement. “As all great stories must come to an end, our journey with the founders stops here. However, System will continue to grow, and in addition to the current strong team, new members will be announced soon,” Obenson said.

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Susanna Lau Joins System Magazine as Digital Editorial Director

The move comes as System owner Mike Obenson aims to turn what began as a bi-annual print title into a global media brand with a stronger digital offering.