Magazines in the spotlight... Port

Ever since Port hit the shelves with its debut issue back in March, the self-styled "intelligent magazine for men" has filled a gap in the confused unoriginal market. From that moment on my impatient finger tapping wait for each issue of Fantastic Man has, much to the relief of those around me, reduced massively. With the introduction of this quarterly, I finally crave another title. Whilst so many men's magazines continually look at themselves in the mirror mouthing "Who am I....What am I doing here?" before embarking on a period of reinvention, Port has always had a reassuring confidence and authenticity. With its mouth watering roster of contributors, eye for detail and obvious passion, it is a publication that continuously provokes thought, ignites imagination and surprises.

The obvious (as it adorns the cover) third issue highlight is the extended feature, The Making of The Rum Diary, which includes world exclusive behind the scenes materials and an in depth chat with the film's writer and director Bruce Robinson. It was from this lengthy dialogue that the theme of creative freedom evolved and developed, quite naturally, to become the delicate thread of the issue. From industrial designer Dieter Rams discussing the development of the iconic Vespa, to acclaimed actress Samantha Morton talking to photographer Mischa Richter about capturing one's creative genius on film, the issue reflects on the nature of creativity and how freedom is an essential part of its very existence. The entire issue is something to savour but below are just a few of the features that caught my wanting eye...

"The splendid bitterness of the unpeeled broad beans and the saltiness of the anchovy are a joy"

Fergus Henderson offers a recipe that sees the happy union of anchovy gunge and broad beans.

Can style be manufactured or does it develop in response not to fashion, but to dressing as a way of life?

Colin McDowell asks if there's a place for the modern dandy or if he'll just end up looking comic.

Styled by Alex Petsetakis and shot by Devin Blair, Fight Club packs the essentials that take you from gym to the street.

Styled by David St John-James and shot by Marisu Hansen, Cast from Past presents a selection of products that increase the heartbeat. Leather framed sunglasses by Paul Smith.

Also from Cast from the Past is this perfect pencil with built in sharpener by Graf Von Faber-Castell. Never have I wanted a pencil more.

"I think the appeal of a cardigan is in its temporary comfort: it wraps around you, but you can whip it off in an instant. It's a styling trick: the garments you wear underneath are still exposed if you wear it open, so colours can be blended and incorporated, and it has the advantage of making things look so much more relaxed when its worn that way."

Alison Llyod believe there is nothing like this unassuming piece of knitwear.

Styled by David St John-James and shot by Leila and Dmaien de Blinkk, On the Inside showcases comfortably tailored style.

"By the time I bought my Vespa GS150 in 1953, it was already well known by riders that the engine was displaced to one side and that this caused a slight i,balance in the machine. As a young architect, the solution was simple: rectify that imbalance by asking your girlfriend to ride side saddle behind you. The weight of her legs on the opposite side of the engine did the trick."

Dieter Rams remember how a Vespa and a girlfriend helped him achieve the perfect balance.

The Rum Diary, the highly anticapated movie, has taken over a decade to come to fruition. Bruce Robinson, the film's writer and director, shares exclusive content from behind the scenes and talk at length with Port's editor Dan Crowe. Here's Johnny Depp in the final shot. 

A scene unintentionally set like a painting by Renori.

With the visual aid of Jillian Edelstein's stunning photography, Stephen Smith gets to the heart of what bullfighting means to Spanish culture.

'In every direction, it felt as if I were looking far out into the horizon towards the never-ending extent of the land"

Frederic Lagrange explores Mongolia.

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I could have quite happily shot every single page of the issue but my images and enthused ramblings do not do it justice. If you buy one men's magazine this season, I heartily recommend Port.