Vogue Magazine

Vogue is an American magazine targeted towards the trend followers and fashion lovers. First published in 1892, we see each month a release of content containing information about fashion, lifestyle and runway. Primarily the target audience is females aged 17-29.

The aspirer: Vogue is a high fashion magazine, therefore materialistic.

Response and opinions on appearance: it’s a fashion magazine.

Appearance over personality.

Status: Biggest fashion magazine in the world, topping all charts.

front cover: may 2020 uk vogue.

the covers of vogue remain remotely the same- usually one model in a mid shot or close up shot on the front cover. the masthead is often white behind the model, however often changes in order to match the colour palette of the magazine itself. all models who are on the vogue front cover are either celebrities or upcoming names, familiar faces of beauty. Vogue often gives the impression that it’s pages are not full but are kind on the eye giving enough information to intrigue the reader but to also please the aesthetic touch.

this edition of vogue keeps the brands identity through the use of Rihanna. our bright singing star remains central of the cover posing naturally in a mid shot.

however, this is the first vogue addition to include the use of a durag, this is because of the high fashion expectation of vogue. this alongside the cover line “rebel” work together in order to create the impression of change within the company or making a bold statement. however if misinterpreted could potentially be a racial problem redeeming that she is breaking the rules of fashion and that this symbol of black culture shouldn’t be considered as high fashion. whilst black culture is often represented by vogue and they do consider themselves on inclusivity and diversity, many comment on the fact they repeat the same black figures on the covers of the US magazine. in 2020 it was discovered 24/96 covers have black models on the front, 5 of those covers had Rihanna as the focus.

the other cover lines focus on fashion mentioning “7 ways to update last seasons dress” and “summer style now” encouraging the audience to open the pages to catch up with the trends of this month and therefore, become better looking and/or dressed.

spread: may 2022

the spread is typical of a vogue magazine feature, 60% of the page will be an image, the rest text. following the vogues traditions the text will start with an oversized capital letter in much bigger font of the first letter of the first word, this is a Drop Capital. whilst unusual, there is no headline on this page but this is because it followed a full photo double page spread of pregnant rihanna stating “mother superior.” we can interpret that vogue believes that Rihanna will be a powerful and great mum, possibly even the best due to her high status and position within society. The mid shot shows rihanna laying comfortably with a stern look on her face in a bath. Whilst commonly taking a bath is a place of insecurity, vulnerability and privacy, vogue have opened it up to be a place of power. Rihanna faces her right with calm, uncertain emotions. wearing a huge silver sparkly necklace in the bath is definitely uncommon for most, yet within the vogue magazine it brings an element of normality, the high fashion need to elevate this photo was the introduction of the jewellery.

the prime focus of rihannas feature is her pregnancy, from the mention of “mother superior,” the smaller text beside the bath stating “were she and asap rocky planning to start a family” and the focus of the photo primarily showing her pregnant stomach. we can interpret that vogue sees this as interesting and a story many would want to read due to rihannas fame and impact on the fashion industry.

fitting the high fashion appeal of the vogue magazine comes the luxury advertisements too. bulgari jasmin noir was posted within a 2008 edition of vogue, the brand itself has made a name for being an italian luxury jewellery and designer items brand.

it keeps to the minimalistic aesthetic of vogue of a close up picture and little text almost as if it was a front cover. showing the perfume in the bottom right corner, the huge masthead at the top of the page and the slogan of “ the essence of a jeweller” the consumers get the impression that this is an advertisement and not a magazine page inclusion.

this page plays on high fashion stereotype, the imagery of matching expensive jewellery to the all black background and outfit, we can assume this lady lives a life of wealth. the woman is also very stereotypically pretty, makeup, no armpit hair and seductive eyes, this may tempt the consumers to buy the product in order to relate to this.

the advertiser understands that the attention within vogue magazines is often the aesthetic and not the words so uses the pictures to sell the product more than any copy.

The Vogue youtube channel has videos that bring entertainment and inside scoop on celebrities lives: from their makeup and beauty routines to 24 hours in a day with them, consumers are welcomed to learn more about fashion and beauty in a video format. The vogue channel also covers many runway events such as the met gala, famously known for its fashion.

This video follows influencer and former youtuber Emma Chamberlain for 24 hours narrowing it down into an entertaining 12 minutes. During this visit in copenhagen we learn that Emma is here for a runway show held by GANNY, a luxury fashion brand, fitting with the vogue brand. Emma brings personality and life to her travels and the video as she finds an outfit for this show. Most of the videos are star appeal and a show of the luxury lifestyle than factual about fashion and beauty however it identifies the brand as high profile. Proven through the fact Emma Chamberlain lives a pretty nice 24 hours getting her makeup done in bed.

The Website.

The homepage seems typical of Vogue, very minimalistic with a majority white page and black copy, there is a scroll down option to choose a location. When choosing a location, this changes the front page, once simplistic with no big photo to a bigger photo holding the majority of the page.

On the US page, we find “todays stories” which means the Vogue website is updated regularly to keep their consumers involved in recent fashion and beauty affairs. Therefore whilst the website is there to promote the magazine, it also stays up to date in ways that the magazine cannot since it is published once a month. The website often covers features on Books, weddings, celebrity style however there is an option on the side for sections of the website such as: fashion, video, magazine and culture.