TOP might be a young magazine, but it already has contributions from the biggest artists from downtown New York. The name is a good reflection of what it is, not as an elite circle but rather a way to look at art: you start from the summit and then you wander, exploring. Danielle Top, its founder and editor-in-chief, was kind enough to answer a few questions as the fourth issue of TOP magazine comes out.

Alexandre Stipanovich: Is Danielle Top your real name?

Danielle Top: Yes.

AS: Does TOP magazine require your full time?

DT: No.

AS: What was the drive/motivation to create such a magazine? The love of photography? The curiosity of contemporary culture?

DT: All of the above.

AS: What is the idea behind TOP magazine?

DT: Do what you what you love, fuck the rest.

AS: Who is behind top magazine?

DT: Myself and Eric Elms.

AS: Do you make all the decisions yourself?

DT: Yes.

AS: How frequently is it published?

DT: Whenever I can get it together, which has been averaging once a year.

AS: How many copies?

DT: Thousands

AS: Is it sold only in the U.S.?

DT: No, colette in Paris stock it and Dover Street Market.

AS: Where?

DT: Printed Matter, McNally Jackson Books, Creatures of Comfort, Family LA, Spoonbill and Sugartown.

AS: Isn't TOP magazine mostly about New York culture?

DT: Yes mostly. It's also influenced by the friends I made during years of traveling as a model and playing in electronic music bands/djing.  

AS: For you, what is the function of a magazine? Is it a cultural reference for a community?

DT: Yes, I'm very interested in sub-cultures.

AS: Do you think it's more difficult today to start a paper magazine rather than a online magazine?

DT: Yes, it's a lot more expensive too.

AS: What do you prefer about the paper format? Is it because it's more permanent, almost like an artwork one can have at home?

DT: Yes, and it's less accessible. 

AS: What do you love most about your magazine?

DT: Creative freedom.

AS: FUCK THIS LIFE appears in almost all issues so far. What do you think is special about him/his artwork?

DT: I love Dave's personality (he makes me laugh) and his artwork is a great reflection of it. 

AS: Where do you see TOP magazine in 10 years from now?

DT: That's a tough one. I have no idea.

Alexandre Stipanovich