Released in 2020 by Paul Raymond Publications, Mayfair Lingerie Special Issue 38 is a glossy, thematic publication focusing on glamour photography and intimate apparel. It serves as a targeted edition within the publisher's long-standing British men's interest and fashion portfolio. Back issues can be sourced through collectors and specialized secondary market listings.

Mayfair ’s mission statement for the special edition was clear: "We seek out the most beautiful women and see how much hotter we can make them look with the addition (and removal!) of luxurious lingerie". This reveals the specific fantasy—elegance as a cornerstone of the erotica.

Issue 38, hitting the shelves and digital platforms in late 2019 and early 2020, distilled the very core of the brand's appeal. It moved away from standard explicit layouts to lean heavily into the textures, shadows, and styling of intimate apparel. The issue remains highly sought after by print collectors and digital archivists alike. Visual Theme and Styling Choices

: Emphasizes matching suspender belts, sheer stockings, and lace-trimmed hold-ups, which serve as visual anchors throughout the individual model features.

The release of Issue 38 coincided with a unprecedented global event: the COVID-19 pandemic. This backdrop fundamentally altered both the production and consumption of the magazine.

Before diving into the specifics of Issue 38, it is essential to understand its place in publishing history. The Mayfair Lingerie Special operates as a quarterly or bi-annual supplement to the main Mayfair magazine. Unlike the parent publication, which features a broader range of pictorials and interviews, the Lingerie Special hones its focus exclusively on the art of undress.

Seamless transitions from close-up fabric details to full-length lifestyle framing.

Entertainment coverage in Issue 38 revealed a sophisticated recalibration. With live theater and cinema largely inaccessible, the magazine’s editors pivoted to curated home experiences. Rather than reviewing nightclubs, the “Mayfair Nights” column reviewed private viewing parties for streaming series like The Crown (Season 4) and The Queen’s Gambit —shows that resonated with the publication’s themes of aristocracy, intellect, and style.

Mayfair Lingerie Special Issue 38 (2020) highlights a modern shift in British glamour, focusing on high-concept styling, sophisticated aesthetics, and a glossier, high-fashion aesthetic compared to traditional styles. The issue emphasizes coordinated sets in rich colors, acting as a curated lookbook that bridges the publication's legacy with contemporary boudoir photography.

Critically, the photography and layout of Issue 38 deserve mention. Shot largely in available light within Georgian townhouses and deserted Burlington Arcade storefronts, the visuals eschewed the usual paparazzi-flash aesthetic for something more intimate and painterly. The models seemed contemplative, often seen reading, writing, or gazing out rain-streaked windows. This tonal shift—from extroverted glamour to introspective luxury—aligned perfectly with 2020’s broader cultural mood while still maintaining Mayfair’s core promise of exclusivity.

The Lingerie Special series is built on a specific editorial formula: showcasing professional glamour models in curated sets of luxurious lingerie. Unlike the more explicit flagship title or other Paul Raymond titles like Club International , the Lingerie Specials often lean toward a more stylized, "boutique" aesthetic.