Blog Post I

---

I can deduce just by looking at the cover of this magazine that this is high-fashion, and most likely those interested or involved in the fashion world are going to read it. This magazine would also most likely contain articles about the fashion world, such as designer collections. I can say this with confidence just by looking at the name: Vogue. Even those who are not interested in fashion know that Vogue is very prestigious and encompasses expensive luxury items. There is also no text surrounding the model except for the words 'Vogue Italia' in a canary yellow, a Chinese Hanzi as well as the English translation for it. The Chinese Hanzi is in a deep red tone, which draws attention to it due to the rest of the cover being black and white, as well as the text below it being in white. The absence of text around the model also suggests that the reader doesn't need to have multiple snippets of distracting text around the model; the cover speaks for itself. It also assumes that those who read this magazine already know what kind of topics are discussed within the magazine, thus enhancing the feeling of superiority over other magazines. Additionally, the absence of text also allows for a bigger focus to be on the model rather than the other way around; in most magazines, the text crowds the model and distracts readers from them, instead focusing more on what's inside than on the outside.

---

Another element of this cover that leads me to believe that this magazine is high-fashion is that the photo of the model is from the 3/4th-slightly tilted angle, and appears to only capture her neck and above. The angle of the model is important because it most likely isn't entirely about what she's wearing (clothing-wise,) but moreso on her jewelry and piercings. Most high-fashion is very conceptual, and because this is "The China Issue," it may be more shocking to those in China who are not familiar with seeing these types of piercings on models. Another thing I noticed in this cover is that she seems to be looking up at the camera, which further emphasizes her cheekbones, browbones, and eyelids. Emphasizing these features can help the model seem very elegant and gives an air of superiority. The model's also pose enhances this because she isn't smiling, which is usually not associated with high-fashion models. By the model not smiling, she shows the audience that she is on a 'different level', than everyone else and forgoes the need to show emotion.

---

When I say 'everyone else', I mean the everyday person who cannot afford to buy designer handbags or designer shoes every weekend. While that isn't necessarily a bad thing, it clearly isn't the target audience for Vogue. Why advertise a luxurious lifestyle to those who cannot afford it? Thus, the everyday person may feel underrepresented or misaddressed, and thus be less likely to purchase and read this magazine. However, this doesn't stop many everyday men and women from purchasing Vogue magazines and aspiring to achieve the status and luxury that the models have. This want to be like the models all stems from the elite and unobtainable aura that the models portray, and because they are very stunningly beautiful, convinces the reader that if they purchase these designer clothes or shoes that they too, will be beautiful.

- M

---