Vogue is an international fashion magazine with over one hundred and twenty-five years of history. The original American magazine, launched by Arthur Turnmure, was started in 1892 and British Vouge was one hundred and seven this year. Vogue is the most renowned for displaying models on the front cover, usually showing of their unique outgoing style, or even just to be the face of the cover. Some of British Vogues focus points on their front cover consist of; celebrity culture, providing the audience with the genre of the magazine, giving up to date stories relating again to the genre, having strong brand identity, reveal the magazines ideologies and finally setting the tone of the magazine.
Vogue typically sparks a more mainstreamer audience because it tends to engage with popular culture, such as collaborations with celebrities and coverage of mainstream events. Although Vogue is a ‘high fashion’ brand, it does still link to a mainstreamer as Vogue is consumed a lot by these people due to it being a part of mainstream media. Vogue also may attract an aspirer audience as these people are materialistic and acquisitive, who are driven by others’ perceptions of them rather than their own values. They care about image, appearance, persona, charisma and fashion- their core need in life is status.
British Vogue Front cover
This issue shows Emma Watson on the cover in September 2015. She is shot front and center in a medium long shot, covering most of the page. She is aligned with the camera and almost seeming to be staring right at the audience. This is done to captivate the audience but also makes her seem empowering, like she is in control. Another feature that illudes to this idea, is that Emma is sat sort of slouched with her arm rested to the side. Her hair is also blowing across her face. Another notable feature of the front cover is the fact that Watson is covering part of the masthead. This is done a lot with well-known magazines- like Vogue- because they have such a strong brand identity. Vogue is iconic and established, anyone can recognise a Vogue magazine by the first letter. The font that Vogue uses is a serif font which gives the magazine a more sophisticated, established feel. The cover lines on the image talk about an “autumn style guides” and “fashion fast tracks” which reinforces the genre of Vogue which is fashion.
Emma Watson is a very influential celebrity, especially for young girls, as she was appointed a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and helped launch the UN Women’s campaign HeForShe, which advocates for gender equality. This links to Vogue’s ideologies of feminism and giving women freedom and independence.
Double page spread
Double page spreads are found in any type of magazine usually showing a model and a feature article. The image in this copy takes up fifty percent of the page with the writing taking up the other half the page. The headline of the spread is in the middle of the page which is not as typical for a magazine but can be seen. The headline reads ’sudden impact’ implying how the makeup advertised has a quick effect in enhancing your beauty. This idea is also reflected by the main image of the women, who is obviously wearing makeup. This bold and outgoing makeup link to the time it was published- late 80’s where blue eyes shadows, fierce blush and bold lipstick was trending at the time. This illudes to Vogues ideologies of constantly being on top of trends all the time.
International cover of Vogue
This cover of Vogue is from Vogue Paris published in November 2007, featuring Andre J and Carolyn Murphy. Andre J is a Black American model who identifies as non-binary and Carolyn Murphy is an American actress and model who nis an environmental advocate. At the time of this being published, being non-binary was not as normalised as it is more recently making this a widely talked about cover between society, with some praising Andre but some finding it “foolish” to have them on the cover. Both Andre and Carolyn are covering part of the masthead again suggesting the strong, established brand identity Vogue have that it is recognisable by the first letter. The cover line “Special Bruce Weber” implies how Vogue only work with renowned people who work for high brands- like Vogue. It also illudes to the target audience and how Vogue is a luxury brand so therefore aligns with people from a higher class. Although Vogue is aimed at a more female audience, the fact that Andre is on the cover, a Black American non-binary, links to Vogues ideologies of being progressive and challenging stereotypes presented in the media. The plain white background makes the coverlines stand out which catches the audience's eyes, making them want to read on. This is also done by making the models stand out.
Vogue’s Website
When you first open the Vogue website you are presented with the banned which is typically an advertisement of some sort. Along the top there is a menu bar which is pretty straight forward and easy to navigate. Similarly with the subscription and sign in button as well as the side menu.
As you scroll down, you can see that there is a top stories section with different articles about recent trends, issues, celebrity culture, events and stories. Each section on the menu bar is the same layout as the homepage with content that is relevant to the section, such as the fashion section, were it shows you some of the best vintage stores in the world, trends, street style, celebrity style and many more. These all link to the typical conventions of a typical fashion magazine.
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