If you are offended by the choice of a bikini clad woman as our logo then let me assauge your
outrage by making a few points clear.

The image in question is a SPOOF of a 1936 illustration of a New York "babe" ---right down to
the apple. In 1936 such a depiction of a woman was done in the spirit of sincerity. In 1996 we
know that this kind of woman no longer exists, except as a kind of joke for hip East Village kids
who like to play with that pin-up girl imagery(see Kitty Boots).

The photographer Jayson Keeling, was in on the joke,his initial photograph was photo-shopped
to within an inch of its life to achieve maximum artificiality. The stylist(who had no sexual
interest in the model) was in on the joke. As we were shooting he remarked "Do you realize hon,
that there were bondage images disguised as fashion! These kids were getting over in the 30's!"

Best of all the model Melissa--who is a very talented painter--was striking all these poses
knowing they were fully ridiculous.Believe us, this girl is no form or shape a bimbo. She is the
epitome of the modern young NY woman who loves to hang out in drag queen bars and happily
shares the fact that she fell in love with her boyfriend because of his --uhm--unique piercings. I
first saw her during Fashion Week at at the Maja show(styled by a woman-- Patti Wilson) which
spoofed that kind of All American Cheerleader 50's imagery and thats where the idea for the
cover was born. I thought Melissa was brilliantly subversive plus she had a pierced toungue and
that's modern.

As for the Statue of Liberty option, lets just say that thats been done.

I'm a little unclear about the idea of using an image "symbolic of communication" Perhaps you
can enlighten me.I say that sincerely.

And to your point about us being sleazy and catering to select group of users--I think you are
prematurely venting a very emotional judgement on us without knowing where we're coming
from. Sleaziness is in the eye of the beholder and diversity and open mindedness are the main
ideals behind NYW. This is why we're even engaging in this dialogue. If you're looking for
equal representation of guys in the NYW site then re-view the Revenge Of The Waif and The
Gangsta Lean stories in our Styleculture section. We're as happy to "objectify" the male of the
species as well as the female.
There is something called irony and for my generation its a formidable weapon. I ask that you
bear that in mind when you view our site.

Your respectfully
Wayne Sterling
Editorial Director