Launched today, the inaugural issue of Dominican-American photographer Renell Medrano’s ICE Magazine centres on the the “Ice Girl” – an archetype inspired by the women Medrano grew up around in the Bronx, New York, as well as those she was drawn to in popular culture. “Onlookers no longer have to question who the Ice Girl is. She is relentlessly herself,” declares the newly released magazine alongside erotic and empowering shots of women who embody the elusive quality.
Reappropriating colourful retro yet highly sexualised aesthetics of 1970s black softcore publication Players for a female audience, the magazine is produced by an all-women crew spearheaded by Medrano and aims to celebrate the individuality and unique perspectives of real women. “I have the pleasure of running into Ice Girls all over the world, they come up to me and share their stories or ask for advice and my heart is full,” says Medrano. “This magazine is dedicated to them.”
Born in the cultural melting pot of the Bronx, Medrano was first inspired to pursue a career in photography after capturing pictures of her friends and family during her teenage years. Her warm and sympathetic lens has since been cast on the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Kendall Jenner, as well as featured in Vogue, Elle, GQ and more.
This newest release is produced in-house at Medrano’s own Ice Studios in partnership with WePresent and Something Special Studios, and is available for free download at WeTransfer. Purchase the physical copy here and grab a sneak peek in the gallery above.