This was the first ever issue of Vouge to feature a male cover model in Harry Styles, and the focus really is on him with this cover image. the background is plain and creates emphasis on the cover model. the copy is black and white, again creating contrast and drawing attention to the cover model. the copy 'Harry Styles makes his own rules' reinforces the breaking of traditional gender ideologies and stereotypes.
the mise en scene also contributes to this, with the main cover model wearing traditionally female clothing and jewlery. the model takes up over 1/3rd of the frame, with his body angled in a way that directs his view away from the viewer.
the pullquote from Styles himself reads 'anytime you're putting barriers up in your life, you're limiting yourself' which may be referring to the fact that styles is wearing a traditionally feminine outfit, as he points out that the societal ideologies of gender and gender presentation are nothing but a limitation to the modern day. the dress hes wearing is also a traditionally 'female' colour, and the act of wearing this dress can be read in various oppositional or negotiated readings, such as people clinging to outdated gender stereotypes regarding the supposed link between clothing and masculinity, or just outright denying that men can have the opportunity to express themselves through clothing that is traditionally feminine.
Vouge targets an audience of (primarily) women aged 20-40+, who would be considered succeeders or aspirers. the magazine targets them through a variety of appeals, including creating the need for attention and prominence, as their fashion tips help the reader to look good for their own and others enjoyment. they also use beautiful women in order to appeal to their audience. their readers want what makes these women appealing, in order to make themselves appealing to themselves and others. they also offer the appeal of luxurious lifestyles and elite people through their guests and cover models.
THE INTERVIEW
this interview with styles creates a perception of him being more vulnerable with the audience, with him sharing what it was like for him at the begining of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his views on the gender divide within the clothing industry.
this interview talks about various different subjects, such as how he dealt with the covid pandemic, the clothing industry and how he himself approaches clothes, and how his parents fostered his love of dressing up throughout his childhood.
the article creates representation of harry styles as a person through their use of language (how personally they interact with him- going swimming in a pond together is very personal i would say- creates the impression that writer and subject are close friends)
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