CoolGraySeven
Meet NOMAD Magazine creative director Andrew Egan.
I met Andrew Egan, creative director and founder of CoolGraySeven (named after his favorite Pantone color), years ago when we were both on a team retained to work with a South African-based apparel company. I was instantly impressed with his professional approach and his ideas about branding and creative direction.
While in Cape Town, we had free time to explore the breathtaking coastline, visit wineries, and go on a safari. Our group snapped as many photos as possible, but later, when sharing our shots — though we all had the same views — I saw that Egan’s photos were dynamic, and had more depth and artistry than any of the others. He had expertly captured the colors and textures of the landscape and the movement of the animals. In that moment, I realized his talents extended far beyond his respected branding and advertising agency. After the project concluded, I was determined to find new ways to work with Egan and his team.
When the Accessories Council acquired the rights to Accessories Magazine in March of 2020, we got our chance. The magazine had been dormant for a few years and needed an extensive overhaul. CoolGraySeven already had an enviable list of clients across a wide range of different sectors including fashion and retail, luxury real estate, and education. Their clients included Natori, Geoffrey Beene, Waterworks, Tolkowsky, and the New Zen Center for Contemplative Care, to name a few. Egan, who was born and educated in the United Kingdom, had vast experience in the fashion space with companies such as Ann Taylor, the Gap, and Nautica.
Egan and his team enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to work with us, designing a new logo and collaborating on the branding, look and flow of the magazine. The first digital Ac Magazine debuted in January 2021, and we have since dropped a new issue each quarter. Beyond his traditional creative role, Egan presents story concepts and his photography can be seen in every issue. His photos — including an exclusive shot of Molly Rogers in the wardrobe closet of “And Just Like That,” our cover of Bridget Everett, and a recent sunglass shoot — are among our most popular pages.
When The NoMad Alliance approached the Ac Media team with the idea of NOMAD Magazine, Egan enthusiastically embraced the project. A long-time resident of the NoMad area, he and his husband, television producer John Melfi, purchased their dream apartment in 2016, a new construction with luxury amenities, including a gym, roof terrace, swimming pool, and screening room on Lexington and 26th. Egan and Melfi value the area for its proximity to the tunnel, making it convenient for them to get to their weekend home in Bellport, Long Island. They also enjoy the diversity of dining options in the neighborhood including their favorite ABC restaurants, Little Basil on East 26th, and Ilili on Fifth Avenue. Egan often walks to see his clients, including Josie Natori and the Accessories Council, and makes a point of walking through Madison Square Park whenever he gets the chance.
As demonstrated in the premier issue of NOMAD Magazine, Egan and his team have an eye on the details. They have worked with the live, work and play theme of the magazine to help bring the pages to life with unique art and photography. Most importantly, Egan, project manager Jean Latham, and the entire team are a pleasure to work with. We have learned so much in the process and put in countless hours to bring each issue to life. NOMAD Magazine is a great project because of CoolGraySeven. “Highlighting the neighborhood I call home has been an honor,” Egan told us.