Addressing Representations

During my research I have noticed that most of the models portrayed in fashion magazines are
young female adults (18-30). The genre for this magazine usually includes new trends, styles,
designers and make-up.


One example of how models are already represented in the the fashion magazine industry would
be their “perfection.” The magazine interprets their beauty are portrayed as “perfect” with is a
common stereotype for this genre of magazine. All models that are seen in fashion magazines
are shown as skinny or having a perfect body because advertisers have appealed to women’sinsecurities in hopes of selling them the solution. The models can also be seen as “fake”
because of the photoshop thats done to the picture. Although the models are naturally posing and don’t look uncomfortable in the way they are posing. But even though some magazines try to give a
more “natural look” by not wearing that much makeup, their skin is still airbrushed and their teeth
are most likely still whitened.


Another example in which models are represented in fashion magazines depend on the target audience. For instance, some of these magazines that are targeted for male audiences can
have a completely different interpretation because it can be seen as models using their sexuality
to target their audience. They are more sexually exploited because of their audience consists
mostly of males. But if the target audience are females of a higher class and middle aged, the
models would be dressed or seen as more respectable, formal and natural. Models are also
seen as being happy all the time because in all the magazine covers they seem like that.


Most of these representations are accurate because of the way models are chosen for the
fashion magazines. All of them are tall, beautiful and extremely skinny. I understand why fashion
magazines require that for their magazines because without that it is unlikely for their magazine
to sell. It’s more likely for the audience to buy a magazine if they are posed in a way to inspire
their audience to try to look like they do. Promoting new trends and styles that look good on the
models convince the audience to buy it and try it out. Even if the target audience is males, it is
evident that the magazine won't sell if the models don’t look or dressed certain type of way.

Even though I don't believe all of these representations are correct or ethical, magazines wouldn't sell because it wouldn't target what the audience wants. Some representation characteristics I would challenge would be the body image of the models. If models were more secure with their own body image and demand that their picture would be published without photoshopping, everyone else will follow suit and more women and girls will realize that there is no such thing as “perfect” beauty. Fashion models having the “perfect” body image can lead to include eating disorders, depression, substance abuse, and health problems for both the models and teenagers that look up to those models. Some representation characteristics that I would retain would include the way models always look happy because it gives the magazine good and positive vibes that can lead to the target audience to buy.

And the research continues...

Another genre that interests me is the lifestyle magazine. This could be a second option for my project because lifestyle magazines cover a wide range of topics and issues. While I was researching this genre, I realized that this type of magazine includes a number of men's magazines, women's magazines and magazines about health and fitness, tourism, leisure, fashion, decorating, or culture.


Some of the typical production conventions for this genre includes there being only one picture on the front page taking up most of the cover. The masthead of the magazine connotes a higher class which suggests to readers that they will be finding out the most important and necessary things. The slogan does the same because it implies that the tips and recommendations are justas high quality as their magazine. The teasers in the front of the page gives a variety of content and mentions some of the names of famous people which causes readers to buy the magazine. Usually the people used in the front color look towards the camera as a way to attract audience and make it more personal by making it feel like they’re looking straight at you. Colors that are usually seen in this genre are light colors because they are positive and aesthetic.






In the Health magazine it is clear that it embodies the lifestyle genre because it is focused on living a full, healthy and balanced life. The model is staring directly at the camera to catch the customer's attention and the colors in this magazine are seen are bright to give of good vibes. There are cover lines are used to advertise the articles in the magazine and entice the audience.




This magazine also embodies this genre because focus on the five key areas for creating a healthy lifestyle such as the following nutrition, fitness, and attitude. The colors in this magazine are more pastel but they also fit because those colors are perceived as peaceful and positive. The central image also used to represent the magazine and what it is about. The pages that are filled with text and are divided into columns usually convey this genre because it’s like a `sneak peek´ of an inside article or story.







Other lifestyle magazines: