Another day, another new magazine…such is the Groundhog Day existence of the Ford Models Blog editor. This periodical treadmill, however isn’t without its rewards — even Bill Murray derived some joy from his movie plot lot — which for today at least comes in the form of the inaugural issue of Virgine.  What might have been just another ridiculously expensive exercise in how to spend loads of cash on lusciously printed paper stock, bound, and wrapped in plastic only to clutter the dusty floors of my favorite newsstand in the West Village* is made all the more meaningful with the feature of Ford Men’s darling new boy Jacob Dekat in an editorial by photographer Seiji Fujimori and stylist Hissa Igarashi. Jacob was last seen decadently lazing about the Chelsea Hotel in front of the lens of Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia, but for this Virgine story tries his hand at a bit of truth or dare. According to editor in chief Ryan Yoon this ambitious debut issue takes “virgin” as its theme. To that end the theme takes a literal and somewhat counterintuitive turn in a sprawling Madonna-inspired “Like a Virgin” editorial. Madonna’s second studio album, released in early November 1984, is nearly 27-years-old, not yet a 40-Year-Old Virgin, mind, but as virginal themes go, rings a bit too veteran. Jacob enters the story sitting propped up against a fire escape wearing a sleeveless leather shirt by Norisol Ferrari, denim vest by Levi’s, Lina Österman studded trousers, Lost Art belt, and Yohji Yamamoto for Dr. Martens boots. Jacob continues much in the same manner throughout the story as when he started it, which makes me think this Groundhog Day theme is a bit more pervasive than this post’s opening suggests. But, that’s a rabbit hole (groundhog burrow?) for another day. Jacob Dekat, take it away… .

*To be perfectly clear, Virgine is a proper magazine and no interloper.

Credits include: Publication, Virgine 01 2011; Title, “Like a Virgin”; Photography, Seiji Fujimori; Styling, Hissa Igarashi; Hair, Takashi Matono; Makeup, Walter Obal at Atelier Management; Manicure, Kumi Nagano; Set design, Jordan Aiello; Photography assistance, Fumihiko Sugino, Joshua Ferguson, Soopa Chae.