I will be producing a cover and contents page for each of the first two editions of the fashion magazine I create for my NEA.
In order for my fashion magazine to appeal to my target audience of 'a culturally sophisticated, 16-25 class AB demographic', it is vital that I understand audience appeal.
By looking at past covers and contents pages of fashion magazines for a range of target audiences, I can see how audiences are attracted to them and take inspiration for my own fashion magazine...
Vogue Cover: May 2018
This Vogue cover appeals to a wide audience because of the diverse range of models on the front cover. Having such a range of ethnicities, shapes and sizes represented on one cover is very commendable and means that no one looking to buy the magazine should feel excluded and as though it isn't for them.
GQ Cover: October 2016
Despite the fact GQ is a fashion magazine aimed at males, this cover does not feature a male. Amy Schumer is the cover star as 'Woman Of The Year'. She is presented in a stereotypically attractive manner, with beautiful blonde hair, perfect make up and a wonderful figure. Rather than showcasing a male that readers can aspire to be like, Schumer is the object of the reader's desire, fulfilling their male gaze. This cover is unlike the majority of GQ covers which do normally feature male cover stars. The fact Schumer has been named 'Woman Of The Year' is the reason for this change, which would most likely draw in more consumers.
Cosmopolitan Cover: November 2016
This Cosmopolitan cover is appealing not only in terms of the main image, but also the features it is showcasing to be inside. It highlights the fact that Cosmopolitan offers fashion, business, fitness and beauty stories in a single magazine. In addition, having Zoella as the cover star is appealing as she is not a stereotypical 'celebrity' like those that might be seen on other fashion magazine covers. She is probably more appealing to younger audiences, but is generally a symbol of how mainstream media is beginning to accept the stars of new media forms.
InStyle Contents Page: September 2012
This InStyle contents page has audience appeal because it is so closely linked to the cover of the issue. By having a separate list of features that were 'On The Cover', the audience can find out exactly where the articles they purchased the magazine for are. Similarly, Jennifer Lopez would have been the cover star and she is also prominent on the contents page, essentially giving the consumers what they paid for - the cool, stylish celebrity they hope to be like from reading the fashion magazine. Details of what Lopez is wearing are included as it is highly likely consumers would want to know.
Marie Claire Contents Page: May 2010
The house style of Marie Claire is evident in this contents page. By splitting the stories in the issue into separate sections, the reader can easily navigate the fashion magazine and pick and choose which articles to read. It also makes it clear what content Marie Claire offers. The image on the contents page relates to a story of its own, providing the reader with a powerful visual of the feature. Also, the puff draws particular attention to a story that Marie Claire wants readers to know about, and they know their audience, so it is almost definite that that is going to be appealing as well.
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