Magazines: The Gentlewoman - Language and Representations

 Gentlewoman front cover 

1) What do the typefaces used on the front cover suggest to an audience?

The mast head is written in sans serif so show that GQ is up to date with the times however the name of the star is written in serif to show the traditional nature aswell which is a complete contrast.

2) How does the cover subvert conventional magazine cover design?

There is no cover lines and the central image is boxed up rather than taking up the whole space.

3) Write an analysis of the central image.

The direct mode of address and low angle portrays the model as dominant however the use of makeup reinforces female stereotypes.

4) What representations of gender and celebrity can be found on this front cover?

This is showing women and the model as powerful as if they are looking down on us.

5) What gender and representation theories can we apply to this cover of the Gentlewoman? 

We can Butler's theory that gender is a performance due to a major use of makeup.

Feature: Modern Punches

1) How does the feature on Ramla Ali use narrative to engage the audience? Apply narrative theories here.

We can use Todorov's equilibrium theory to show how Ramla went from rags to riches.

2) What representations can you find in this feature - both interview and image?

The watch shows how far she has advanced in boxing and made a success out of it.

3) What representation theories can we apply to the Modern Punches feature? 

This subverts female stereotypes due to the boxing aspect. This shows us that boxing isn't just a male only sport.


Feature: Isabella Tree interview

1) Why is this feature unconventional for a women's lifestyle and fashion magazine? Comment on the use media language in these pages. 

It doesn't the show the image of the woman.

2) How does the Isabella Tree feature reflect the social and cultural contexts of contemporary Britain? Think about AQA's discussion of lifestyle, environmental issues and ethical movements.

The nature we see in Britain has been here for forever and needs to stay.

3) What representations of nature can be found in this feature?

That nature is self sufficient.

Feature: Stella McCartney and vegan fashion

1) How does this feature reflect contemporary social and cultural contexts?

Stella commits her brand to be honest and ethical which heavily flows well the modern woke society.

2) Comment on the typography and page design in this feature.

The text is bold and enlarged to emphasise the key things she says and the smaller text is to details

3) What representations can be found in the image accompanying this feature? 

She has positive representations of females since she is independent and built up her own business without the help of her dad.

Representations

Read this Business of Fashion interview with The Gentlewoman editor Penny Martin. If you don't want to sign up to the website (free) then you can access the text of the article on Google Drive here (you'll need your Greenford Google login). Answer the following questions: 

1) What type of magazine did Penny Martin, Gert Jonkers and Jop van Bennekom want to create? 

A high quality magazine targeted towards the female audience.

2) What representations of modern women did they try to construct for the magazine?

They are trying to construct the stereotype of strong, stylish and independent women.

3) What examples of cover stars reflect the diversity in the magazine's content? 

GQ uses artists, entrepreneurs, novelists and even gardeners. 

4) What is Penny Martin's view on feminism and whether the magazine is feminist?

She believes in equal pay and childcare and it is a feminist magazine.

5) Look at the end of the article. How does the Gentlewoman help readers construct or reflect their identity by engaging with events and spaces beyond the magazine? 

The have made a GQ club where they host meetups and members and meetup and interact with other fellow readers.