Industrial Context

 Time line of magazines 

In 1732 bookseller Edward Cave first used the term ‘magazine’.  Arguably the ‘fashion magazine’ started in France under Louis XIV.  The Mercure Galant featured illustrated plates recording what was being worn by the aristocracy – a useful source of information for dressmakers outside the court.

During the Georgian era retail therapy accelerated and lavishly illustrated magazines targeted specifically at women began to be mass published.  Fashion plates were bigger with detailed descriptions.  Advertising revenue could fund higher quality reproduction and new styles of graphic illustrations. 

 The Ladies World was edited by Oscar Wilde and in 1886 he changed the name to Women’s World.  He believed that the content should be educational and include more fiction.  Cheaper publications included little fashion, with poor woodcut graphics.  In 1891 a fashion periodical called Forget Me Notaimed at working class women hit the shelves.

Advances in technology, printing, and paper-making in the 20th century resulted in an explosion of magazine production.  Fashion plates moved from woodcuts, engraving and lithographs to photography.  Periods of significant social change brought a flood of magazines.  Women’s magazines reflect radical social change - the birth of teenager was a new market to be tapped.

Conde Nast timeline 

Audience Research

 Audience Profiles 

For my chosen brief the audience profile I have been given is; primarily up/middle of 16 – 25 year old audience of style conscious people. 

Psychographics 

These are individuals born between the years 2000 and 2009. This period welcomes the rise of the internet meaning this demographic has grown up in a generation that has been heavily influenced by social media.  

16 – 25 yr olds are the most racially, ethnically and sexually diverse generation in history. They are distinct from other age groups as they are still figuring out their identity who they are and what they stand for. They are developing their beliefs and ideologies, and technology is helping them to see and acknowledge everything they can do and be.  

As well as being heavily reliant on technology they have a strong focus on authenticity and social consciousness, and they value the art of self-expression through the way the decide to present themselves to the world.   

Style conscious people place a huge value on the clothes they wear as the way someone dresses can suggest a lot about them. They love to follow trends and are thought to be consumerists. Appreciate different forms of fashion and are highly interested in big label brands such as Prada, Louis Vuitton. 

This audience does engage with High end style magazines, but their focus has shifted slightly due to technological convergence, though many still see and look to high end magazines as a reference of what is in style now.  

There is also a growing focus on sustainability within this demographic. They look for ways to remain within the current trend of style while also thinking about the ethics and environment when buying clothes. 

She fits the conventions of my demographic as she is a young girl and she has a unique choice of style, she has a distinct way of presenting her self and she is standing proud of herself and her identity. she feels free to express herself the way she feels.

 

This is a good representation of the expressionistic style that the demographic has they choose to dress in an atypical way. This particular model has a unique sense of style and loves distinct statement pieces of clothing that draw attention to the outfit. 

This model has a good representation of a different sense of style a 90's hip hop fashion style typically worn by rappers in America during this time period.

  

The Big Issue Cover

 

Big issue infographic

 

 

Beauty Advert

 

All About Me