Presenting ‘Mission’: A travel issue without the travel - Los Angeles Timestwitterfacebookenvelope

Headlines can be clarifying if you pay attention to what they are putting down. There are so many promises being made, so many takeaways, so many learnings to be had before you even choose to read. Listicles tease the reveal of what’s “hiding in plain sight.” Explainers show the utility of asking rhetorical questions. (“Don’t know what to do this weekend? Try this.”) Guides anticlimactically guarantee the big payoff with an endless sea of superlatives — best, new, perfect, unique, magical, ultimate — that are both nondescriptive and perfectly optimized. The reader’s expectations are clear: Either they know it all or they will soon find out.

The content trap is built on a paradox: You don’t need to do the thing that’s being advertised to get the feeling of having done something. One-click gratification is the direct experience being sold.

The literature nods at what we all know: There is a glut of talk about going that’s thicker than traffic on the 10 at rush hour. Everyone is a storyteller. And yet, there are so many unreliable narrators who can’t get us from Point A to Point B with any gusto. There is no shortage of destinations (so many hidden gems!). Rather, there is a lack of artful documentation of what happens along the way. They say don’t blame the messenger, but how can you not? The content is giving everything everywhere all at once without the plot (or acting).

Influencers show us how to live, while content creators and media teach us we can do it too. Nobody is mad at a good recommendation — or a promo code at the link in bio. But in a world full of wanderlusters, it’s bizarre how few folks dare to really take us with them.

We’re going on a mission. Won’t you join us? This issue is meant to transport you with style. “Mission” is an anthology of fantastic voyages told by people who specialize in the art of narrative. You’ll know why you’re here as soon as they get going. There will be some real skin in the game from the jump. Suga Free has half a century’s worth of hard living and hustle to unpack. George Evans and Cauleen Smith journey into the Deep West through the life and words of the late Wanda Coleman. And since we’re talking about poets, we brought in some of L.A.’s best — Morgan Parker, Safia Elhillo and Fariha Róisín — to pen a few dispatches from the ave.

Some of the greatest tales in human history are about comings and goings. We promise to give you heat from start to finish. This is a round trip as always — from L.A. to the world and back to the epicenter.

When it’s over, it won’t be long before you’re ready to mash again.

Ian F. Blair
Editor in Chief


Image logo by Daniel Escudeiro For The Times


Street style is nothing without the streets. On these intersections, see for yourself

Street style is nothing without the streets. On these intersections, see for yourself

Look closely at this set of postcards from the most fashionable corners of L.A. and a theme will emerge: Stories make the clothes really sing  Read the story  📬  
The (un)holy gospel of Suga Free

The (un)holy gospel of Suga Free

After half a century of hard living and hustle, the flamboyant storyteller from Pomona is learning to live with regrets and find peace  Read the story  🙌🏾  
Pack your weekend bags, we’re going on staycation to Panorama City!

Pack your weekend bags, we’re going on staycation to Panorama City!

Whether you’re commuting across L.A. for a long-distance relationship or a short getaway from home, Gucci luggage is the ideal situation of the intracity adventurer who wishes to stunt  Read the story  🧳  
Issue 18 cover

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Issue 18: Mission

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If you want to journey into the Deep West, you’ll need a guide like Wanda Coleman

If you want to journey into the Deep West, you’ll need a guide like Wanda Coleman

L.A.’s rich cultural history is alive through the life and work of the city’s unofficial poet laureate. Just ask her brother George Evans  Read the story  ✍🏿  
It’s time to embrace the power of the morning-after uniform

It’s time to embrace the power of the morning-after uniform

The era of mess has an outfit — what you wore the night before. Striding with pride is a quiet protest in not letting the outside world judge you based off a detail that you let them in on, like what you did yesterday after dark  Read the story  👠  
Everyone is a star of something in L.A. Versace’s new collection is ready to be seen

Everyone is a star of something in L.A. Versace’s new collection is ready to be seen

The city gave the luxury brand the chance to imagine and create a new reality — a world where the fashion house’s gold-gilded past meets a future in the same vein  Read the story  💎  
When we think of good style, we think of outfits. We really should think: Katie Qian

When we think of good style, we think of outfits. We really should think: Katie Qian

From her own fits to dreamy styles for Sabrina Claudio and Tinashe, the L.A.-based stylist elevates modern trends with a feminine touch  Read the story  🐇  
Your planners deserve some heat in April. Start with these pop-ups, launches, shows

Your planners deserve some heat in April. Start with these pop-ups, launches, shows

From Marni X No Vacancy Inn’s latest collab to Ryan Preciado’s first solo exhibition at Matthew Brown Gallery, the Drip Index can get you active this spring  Read the story  🖤  
To go on a mission you need a list. After these 9 items, everything else is optional

To go on a mission you need a list. After these 9 items, everything else is optional

From Bonnie Clyde sunglasses to an Alexander McQueen bag, we’ve got you covered with all the necessary drip to accompany you as you get in traffic  Read the story  😎  
The Elco on their tote is a signal: They were at the party that was the talk of L.A.

The Elco on their tote is a signal: They were at the party that was the talk of L.A.

Once upon a time, a birthday celebration took over Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park. They're still talking about it — and might never stop  Read the story  🚘