VOGUE cover

VOGUE Cover 

This is the VOGUE, July cover 2018, which conveys the star image Ariana Grande in a mid-shot, her direct eyeline match with the audience increases the intensity of the work. This along with the slightly lower angled shot makes the viewer look up to her, and she is seen as being superior and powerful. However, her soft facial features and makeup mute the overall dominance that can be read. Her softness is conveyed through her more natural costume design, she is seen in a contrasting way than she is portrayed in the media. Therefore, showing a contrasting side to her personality making the audience feel as though this magazine has an inside look, on the celebrity. They feel that they are getting to see something that no one else gets to see, this sense of exclusivity creates the ideology that the magazine is superior and élite. The negative space in the background, draws the attention of the viewer onto the star image, this works in harmony with the white light behind her making her look angelic. These religious connotations put the artist on a pedestal making her look perfect and holy.

 The colour palette that has been used, is clearly influenced by the time of year with colours; cream, blood orange, golden brown and white. The golden hue to all the tones create themes of desirability and power as gold is a colour that is commonly associated with wealth. The golden brown in juxtaposition with the leading heading ‘Summer Style’, gives anchorage to the work, putting it in a seasonal context. This is slightly smaller than the masthead and draws the attention of the audience creating a focal point. This phrase is associated with summer hence giving the model positive connotations as summer is linked to relaxation and happiness.

The target audience has a slight female leaning and the audience is able to see this as the cover lines such as “Meet the most powerful women in Britain” and “What to wear at every age” are not gender neutral. This along with the female star image, shows who they are trying to link with in their magazine. The key word in the print “meet” makes a personal connection with the viewers and the articles as they are being directly addressed. There is a limited amount of cover lines and I think that is done to not draw away from the focal point which is Ariana Grande. These cover lines mainly appeal to an A/B/C1 target audience due to the fact that they are all based on fashion beauty and lifestyle, which is typically associated with femininity.

The bold title of ‘VOGUE’ is used to draw the attention of the audience as it will stand out on the shelf in the shop, this is ensured at the title of the magazine is a very famous. The title is placed over Grandes head and reinforces the powerful positioning of the brand. This is done by the audience, as they see Ariana Grande as a very successful pop sensation, and by the magazine printing over the top of some of her features it increases sense of hierarchy. Creating themes that even though Grande is seen as an inspiration and in a place of power, the brand ‘VOGUE’ is even higher. This therefore creates the ideology that the magazine brand is very desirable and high end.