Taylor Swift: introduction

Taylor Swift: introduction

Taylor Swift is one of the most commercially successful figures in the global music industry, having been a star from a young age and working in a range of genres including country, pop and rock. The media company Bloomberg has estimated her wealth at just over $1billion. She was the most played artist on Spotify in 2023 and was Time magazine’s Person of the Year (2023). The financial magazine Forbes ranked her as the fifth most powerful woman in the world (the women above her in the list were all politicians).

Taylor Swift is a millennial artist (born 1989) whose (often very devoted) fans, known as ‘swifties’, range from young teens, Gens X and Z, millennials as well as the baby-boomer generation (‘senior swifties’). The persona she constructs across online and social media reflects the need to address these different target audiences. Swift is also a very influential figure in an industry context, credited with shifting the power relationships between the music industry and individual artists.

Source: AQA CSP booklet. 

Taylor Swift: websites

You can check out Taylor Swift's main website here and her tour microsite here.

Taylor Swift: social media

Taylor Swift uses social media very deliberately to create impact. In 2018 she wiped all her social media before returning to platforms a couple of days later with a snake video that was designed to kick off an album announcement. 

Taylor Swift: representations 

Taylor Swift is the perfect example of a modern celebrity – fully in control of her persona and able to skilfully construct her representations across multiple media platforms and through her live performance. She has also highlighted the representation of women in the media and music industry.

Taylor Swift: Language and Representations blog tasks

Narrative

Go to our Media Magazine archive (issue MM79) and read the feature All Too Well on Taylor Swift and how she controls her own narrative. Answer the following questions: 

1) Why is Taylor Swift re-recording her earlier albums? 

Her original label sold her music rights without her consent.

2) Why did Taylor Swift choose to make the short film 'All Too Well'? 

Taylor Swift chose to make the short film "All Too Well" to visually express the story and feelings behind the lyrics while connecting with her audience.

3) What other examples are provided in the article of Taylor Swift using media to construct her own image? 

• Music Videos
• Social Media Engagement
• Documentaries
• Public Appearances
• Merchandising

Taylor Swift textual analysis

Work through the following tasks to complete your textual analysis of Taylor Swift's website and social media. 

1) Go to Taylor Swift's website. What do you notice about the media language choices - text, font, images, page design, links?

• Clean Layout
• Bold Typography
• High-Quality Images
• Colour Palette
• Interactive Links

2) Now visit her Eras tour microsite. What do you notice about the construction of this site in terms of images and website conventions?

 

Thematic Imagery

Interactive Features

Consistent Branding

Bold Typography

Clear Navigation

3) Visit Taylor Swift's Twitter feed. Analyse her use of tweets/posts - are they promoting her music, her tour, or something else? Can you find any that are socially or politically oriented? 

Music Promotion

Tour Updates

Engagement with Fans

Event Highlights

4) Look at Taylor Swift's Instagram account. What do you notice about the selection and construction of images, reels and posts?  

High-Quality Visuals

Personal Moments

Promotional Content

Engagement with Fans

Storytelling Approach

5) Research Taylor Swift across any other social media accounts - e.g. Facebook. Do you notice any differences in how she represents herself on different platforms? Comment on text, images or tone/content.  

Facebook

• Longer Posts
• Event Promotion
• Community Engagement
• Visual Variety

Instagram

• Visuals
• Stories and Reels
• Candid Moments

Twitter

• Updates
• Real-Time Engagement
• Humour

Influencers and celebrity culture

Influencers and celebrity culture

Media Magazine reading

Media Magazine 72 has a feature linking YouTube influencers to A Level media theories. Go to our Media Magazine archive, click on MM72 and scroll to page 60 to read the article ‘The theory of everything - using YouTubers to understand media theory’. Answer the following questions:

1) How has YouTube "democratised media creativity"?

YouTube has democratised media creativity by providing a platform where anyone  can create, share, and make their content.

2) How does YouTube and social media culture act as a form of cultural imperialism or 'Americanisation'? 

YouTube and social media culture often promote American values, lifestyles, and trends, leading to cultural imperialism by overshadowing local ideas.

3) How do influencers reinforce capitalist ideologies? 

Influencers reinforce capitalist ideologies by promoting consumerism, showcasing brand partnerships, and encouraging followers to live lavish lifestyles.

4) How can YouTube and social media celebrity content be read as postmodern, an example of hyperreality? 

YouTube and social media celebrity content can be seen as postmodern examples of hyperreality, as they blur the lines between reality and representation.

5) What are the arguments for and against regulating online content such as YouTube?

Arguments for regulating online content like YouTube focus on preventing harm, protecting minors, ensuring accountability, and promoting fairness, while arguments against it highlight concerns over free speech, the subjective content.

6) How can Hesmondhalgh and Curran & Seaton's ideas be linked to online media debates?

Hesmondhalgh's emphasis on the importance of cultural industries and Curran & Seaton's focus on media power dynamics highlight how online media centres around issues of control, commercialisation, and the influence of large platforms on content diversity.

7) How can Gauntlett's ideas around identity and audience be applied to YouTube and influencer content?

Gauntlett's ideas on identity and audience can be applied to YouTube and influencer content by presenting how creators create a personal identity, allowing audiences to engage with diverse representations and narratives.

8) What is YOUR opinion on celebrity influencers? Are they a positive, democratic addition to the contemporary media landscape or a highly constructed product promoting hegemonic capitalist ideologies?   

Celebrity influencers provide diverse voices and content creation, they often construct images that promote hegemonic capitalist ideologies, prioritising consumerism.

How to build a social media brand: case study

Read this excellent case study on how to build a celebrity social media brand and answer the following questions: 

1) What are the different ways celebrities manage their social media accounts? Give examples. 

Celebrities manage their social media accounts through branding, content, engagement with fans, and collaborations; for example, Selena Gomez uses a mix of personal posts and promotion.

2) Why is 'voice' important in celebrity social media content and what examples are provided? 

'Voice' is important in celebrity social media content because it allows relatability, allowing celebrities to connect with their audience; for example, Taylor Swift uses her platform to share personal stories and engage with fans on social issues.

3) What different goals may celebrities have for their social media accounts? 

Celebrities may use their social media accounts to promote personal brands, engage with fans, advocate for social causes, and promote campaigns.

4) What types of content can be found from celebrity social media posts? 

Personal Updates

Promotional Content

Behind-the-Scenes 

5) How does social media allow influencers to interact with fans? Give examples. 

Social media allows influencers to interact with fans through  Q&A sessions, responding to comments, sharing content, and hosting interactive polls; for example, influencers like Bella Poarch use TikTok to directly reply to fan comments.

Guardian article: Social media harming young people

Finally, read this Guardian article reporting that social media and celebrity culture is harming young people. Answer the following questions:

1) What did the YMCA's report suggest about social media content and celebrity culture?  

The YMCA's report suggested that social media content and celebrity culture significantly impact young people's self-esteem and body image.

2) What examples are provided of how this can have a damaging effect on young people? 

The report provided examples such as increased anxiety, depression, and body image issues among young people who compare themselves to the idealised images of beauty and lifestyle.

3) What is YOUR opinion on this topic? Do you feel social media is dangerous to young people? Should age restrictions be enforced? Explain your answer.

 

I believe social media can pose dangers to young people by presenting unrealistic standards and normalising comparison, making age restrictions important to protect their mental health.

Clay Shirky

Clay Shirky: End of audience blog tasks

Media Magazine reading

Media Magazine 55 has an overview of technology journalist Bill Thompson’s conference presentation on ‘What has the internet ever done for me?’ It’s an excellent summary of the internet’s brief history and its impact on society. Go to our Media Magazine arc

hive, click on MM55 and scroll to page 13 to read the article ‘What has the internet ever done for me?’ Answer the following questions:

1) Looking over the article as a whole, what are some of the positive developments due to the internet highlighted by Bill Thompson?

• increased access to information
• Global connectivity 
• Support of innovation
• Empowerment of individuals

2) What are the negatives or dangers linked to the development of the internet?

• privacy concerns
• misinformation 
• division
• cybersecurity threats

3) What does ‘open technology’ refer to? Do you agree with the idea of ‘open technology’?

A policy that allows users to access platforms with few restrictions, making me believe that depending on the website, there should be more/less restrictions.

4) Bill Thompson outlines some of the challenges and questions for the future of the internet. What are they?

• maintaining open/free access
• protecting privacy 
• misinformation
• managing AI
• cyber security threats

5) Where do you stand on the use and regulation of the internet? Should there be more control or more openness? Why?

There should be more regulation on the internet as for most apps you have to sign up using your personal information like DOB and your full name, allowing people to see practically everything about you.

Clay Shirky: Here Comes Everybody

Clay Shirky’s book Here Comes Everybody charts the way social media and connectivity is changing the world. Read Chapter 3 of his book, ‘Everyone is a media outlet’, and answer the following questions:

1) How does Shirky define a ‘profession’ and why does it apply to the traditional newspaper industry?
 

Clay Shirky defines a profession as a group with special knowledge that controls access to the internet. He argues the internet is reducing this control, allowing more people to do whatever they want. 

2) What is the question facing the newspaper industry now the internet has created a “new ecosystem”?

The newspaper industry now faces the challenge of a "new ecosystem" created by the internet, which has disrupted and reshaped how news is consumed and distributed.

3) Why did Trent Lott’s speech in 2002 become news?

Trent Lott's 2002 speech became news because he praised Strom Thurmond's 1948 segregationist presidential campaign, sparking controversy and accusations of allowing racist policies.

4) What is ‘mass amateurisation’?

'Mass amateurisation' refers to the internet and how it allows large numbers of non-professionals to create and distribute content, like content creators.

5) Shirky suggests that: “The same idea, published in dozens or hundreds of places, can have an amplifying effect that outweighs the verdict from the smaller number of professional outlets.” How can this be linked to the current media landscape and particularly ‘fake news’?

Shirky's idea shows how the widespread the same content can be presented across numerous non-professional platforms and can present misinformation, contributing to the spread of 'fake news'.

6) What does Shirky suggest about the social effects of technological change? Does this mean we are currently in the midst of the internet “revolution” or “chaos” Shirky mentions?

Shirky suggests that technological change leads to significant change in old systems that are disrupted, indicating that we are currently in the middle of the internet "revolution" or "chaos".

7) Shirky says that “anyone can be a publisher… [and] anyone can be a journalist”. What does this mean and why is it important?

Shirky's statement presents why content creation is so important, where digital platforms allow anyone to share news and information, which is important because it challenges traditional roles.

8) What does Shirky suggest regarding the hundred years following the printing press revolution? Is there any evidence of this “intellectual and political chaos” in recent global events following the internet revolution?

Shirky suggests that the following of the printing press was shown by political chaos as people adjusted to the new technology, and recent global events like the rise of misinformation.

9) Why is photography a good example of ‘mass amateurisation’?

Photography is a good example of 'mass amateurisation' because digital cameras have allowed people to capture, edit, and share high-quality images easily.

10) What do you think of Shirky’s ideas on the ‘End of audience’? Is this era of ‘mass amateurisation’ a positive thing? Or are we in a period of “intellectual and political chaos” where things are more broken than fixed? 

Shirky's ideas on the 'End of Audience' present a shift towards participation in content creation, which can be seen as both a positive and negative. It allows creativity and diversity, however allows misinformation to be spread as well.

GQ Magazines

Industries: the appeal of print - blog tasks

Work through the following tasks to complete your work on magazines. You will find the reading gives you a brilliant insight into a vital aspect of media - the power of independent institutions.

1) Writer's Edit journal article

Read this excellent Writer's Edit academic journal article on the independent magazine industry and answer the following questions:

1) What is the definition of an independent print magazine?

An independent print magazine is produced without corporate funding, allowing for freedom and a focus interests.

2) What does Hamilton (2013) suggest about independent magazines in the digital age?

Couldn't find the source

3) Why does the article suggest that independent magazines might be succeeding while global magazine publishers such as Bauer are struggling?

The article suggests that independent magazines do better while Bauer struggle because independents focus on niche audiences with unique content.

4) What does the article suggest about how independent publishers use digital media to target their niche audiences?

The article suggests that independent publishers target digital media for lower costs of promotion.

5) Why is it significant that independent magazines are owned and created by the same people? How does this change the creative process and direction of the magazine?

Independent magazines owned and created by the same people have more freedom and there's less editorial decisions and financial issues.

6) What does the article suggest regarding the benefits of a 'do-it-yourself' approach to creating independent magazines?

The article suggests that the DIY approach of independent magazines creates a sense of ownership, allowing creators to be creative over worrying about mainstream appeal.

7) The article discusses the audience appeal of print. Why might audiences love the printed form in the digital age?

The article suggests print's appeal is because it's almost like a collectors item.

8) What are the challenges in terms of funding and distributing an independent magazine?

Independent magazines face issues like funding and getting noticed in a crowded market.

2) Irish Times feature on independent magazines

Now read this short feature in the Irish Times on the growth of independent magazines and answer the following questions:

1) Why are independent magazines so popular?

Independent magazines are popular due to their niche focus, creative freedom, and quality print.

2) Why is the magazine publishing industry set up to favour the big global conglomerates?

The magazine publishing industry prefers big conglomerates because they have the resources for wider distribution.

3) What does the article suggest regarding finding an audience for an independent magazine?

The article suggests finding an audience for an independent magazine involves seeking a passionate niche community and offering unique content.

4) What are the challenges for magazine distributors?

Magazine distributors face challenges like lower print sales, competition from digital media, and rising costs for printing and delivery.

5) The article suggests that many independent magazines only make money by diversifying into other products. What examples do they give?

The article mentions independent magazines using events, merch, or streams.

3) Interview with Ruth Jamieson

Finally, read this excellent interview with Ruth Jamieson, who has written a book on the renaissance of the independent magazine sector. Answer these three quick questions: 

1) What does Ruth Jamieson suggest about the 'death of print'?

 At the time people still asked, “is print dead?” but it seemed obvious to me that it was very much alive and kicking.

2) What are the common themes for successful independent magazines?

Successful independent magazines often focus on a niche ideas with high-quality content.

3) How many of these aspects can you find in The Gentlewoman?

It focuses on a niche audience (women) with high-quality content.

Audience

 Audience

The Gentlewoman describes its audience: 

“The Gentlewoman is enjoyed by confident, independent and stylish women and men from a strikingly broad range of age groups. 

“Characterised by their desire for cultural entertainment in their media, readers of The Gentlewoman enjoy the highest quality fashion, social pursuits and creative happenings.”

Media Kit

The best way to learn about The Gentlewoman's audience is via the Media Kit (you'll need your Greenford Google login to open). 

Audience theory: Clay Shirky

Clay Shirky suggests the 20th century media model “with professional producers and amateur consumers” has been replaced by a more chaotic landscape that allows consumers to be producers and distributors. The Gentlewoman is fighting back against this, offering a curated, high-quality mix of writing, fashion and photography. 

Shirky says: “We now publish first, and then filter.  We find the good stuff after the fact.” In contrast to this, The Gentlewoman is trying to offer its readers the ‘good stuff’ without having to filter it first.

Audience pleasures

There are many potential audience pleasures for The Gentlewoman readers. Applying Blumler & Katz’s Uses & Gratifications theory, three in particular would be:

Personal identity: Readers enjoy having their lifestyle and fashion choices endorsed and reflected by the magazine. The magazine promises to feature “women as they actually look, sound and dress.” 

Personal relationships: The Gentlewoman is presented as a club to be part of – literally in the sense of in-person events around the world. 

Surveillance: The Gentlewoman describes itself as “Intelligent, opinionated and entertaining, it has set a new standard in women’s magazines with its high-quality writing”. 

Industries

The Gentlewoman is published by Dutch independent publishers Gert Jonkers and Jop van Bennekom – a huge contrast to GQ and Condé Nast. 

They created The Gentlewoman as a women’s version of their “genre defining gentleman’s style journal” Fantastic Man.

Distribution

Despite being a niche London-based magazine, The Gentlewoman reflects the global nature of the media. The website and social media are major reasons for its international reach. 

Its readers are based:

UK 51%

Europe 23%

USA 18%

Rest of the World 8%

The Gentlewoman Club

The Gentlewoman Club is an international society of the magazine’s readers, which currently has up to 39,000 active members – sophisticated women and men who demand quality and originality from their agenda of cultural happenings. These loyal subscribers attend the Club’s get-togethers in substantial numbers, notified of which via the Club’s monthly newsletter

and social media platforms.

This is an example of diversification – moving beyond a print magazine to offer readers experiences and events to engage with.

Magazines: regulation

The magazines industry is regulated by IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation. This is an independent regulator - effectively meaning the industry is self-regulated by the Editors' Code of Practice. We will look at more on press regulation when we study newspapers. 

The Gentlewoman: Audience and Industries blog tasks

There are five reasonably short tasks for The Gentlewoman - Audience and Industries plus some optional extension work for those aiming for the very top grades. Create a blogpost called 'The Gentlewoman: Audience and Industries' and work through the following:

1) Media Magazine feature: Pleasures of The Gentlewoman

Go to our Media Magazine archive and read the article on The Gentlewoman (MM84 - page 34). Answer the following questions:

1) What does the article suggest is different about the Gentlewoman compared to traditional women's magazines? 

The Gentlewoman is often noted for its difference in traditional women's magazines by focusing on accomplished women.

2) What representations are offered in the Gentlewoman?  

The Gentlewoman represents diverse women showcasing their achievements and perspectives across different platforms. 

3) List the key statistics in the article on the average reader of the magazine. 

Didn't have access 

4) What is The Gentlewoman Club? 

The Gentlewoman Club is an exclusive membership, offering members access to special events and exclusive content.

5) What theorists does it suggest we can apply to the Gentlewoman's club?

The Gentlewoman's club might suggest applying social theorists who explore identity, such as Judith Butler.

6) What does the writer of article suggest they are getting out of their relationship with the magazine?

they are gaining a sense of belonging, exclusive access to events, and experiences through their relationship with The Gentlewoman magazine.

7) Who are the team behind the magazine?

The team behind The Gentlewoman includes Penny Martin,  photographers, stylists, writers, and designers who.

8) How does the Gentlewoman use their website and social media to promote the magazine? 

The Gentlewoman uses their website and social media to build a online community that interests the print magazine.

9) What are the 'creative collaborations' in the magazine? How do they 'spill over into real life'?

The Gentlewoman features creative collabs that push boundaries and inspire trends.

10) How does the article sum up the audience pleasures of the Gentlewoman? 

the article highlights the magazine's ability to offer a aesthetically pleasing magazine that celebrates intelligent women.

2) The Gentlewoman Media kit

Look through The Gentlewoman's Media Kit and answer the following questions:

1) How does the Media Kit introduce the magazine?

the magazine celebrates women of style and offers a fresh perspective on fashion.

2) On the 'Digital' page, what different sections of the website are there and how do these offer opportunities for audience engagement and interaction? 

The Gentlewoman's website features articles, allowing for comments and potential shopping opportunities to happen.

3) What are the audience demographics for The Gentlewoman?

The Gentlewoman targets a niche audience of stylish, independent women with a high income.

4) What is The Gentlewoman Club and what does it offer readers?

The Gentlewoman Club is a membership offered by The Gentlewoman magazine. It provides readers with exclusive access and benefits.

5) What Creative Collaborations

the Gentlewoman pairs writers, photographers, stylists, artists, and even collaborates with brands.

3) D&AD Award Winner feature

Read this short D&AD advertising agency award feature on The Gentlewoman. Answer the following questions:

1) How is the magazine described?

2) What does it say about the content and design of The Gentlewoman?

The D&AD award recognises The Gentlewoman's content and artistic design on fashion.

3) How are the readers described?

The D&AD feature describes readers as sophisticated women who appreciate content and unique fashion.

4) Business of Fashion website feature 

Read this Business of Fashion feature on The Gentlewoman - the magazine that is also a club. 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 events are listed as part of The Gentlewoman Club?

The Gentlewoman Club offers exclusive events, workshops, or talks.

2) Why does it suggest the magazine has managed to 'cut through the clutter'?

The D&AD award suggests The Gentlewoman offers a alternative to mainstream fashion.

3) How are Gentlewoman Club tickets given out? 

Through Email

4) Why are Club events valuable from a digital perspective? 

Club events have a sense of community and exclusivity, allowing digital members to engage.

5) Website and social media research

1) Visit The Gentlewoman's website. How does it promote the magazine? 

The Gentlewoman's website promotes the magazine with  glimpses into Club benefits, and opportunities.

2) Visit the magazine page of the website. How much of the magazine is available to view online? Is this a smart marketing technique to sell print copies or is it giving content away for free? 

The Gentlewoman's website uses a mix of content glimpses and member-exclusive content to allow print sales or selling premium memberships.

3) Look at The Gentlewoman's Twitter feed. What content from the magazine or Club events can you find on there? 

Features snippets of the magazine articles and Club event highlights.

4) Go to The Gentlewoman's Instagram page. How does it encourage the audience to engage with the magazine? 

The Gentlewoman's Instagram uses glimpses of magazine articles and community shows to engage with the magazine.

5) What representations of fashion and gender can you find on their Instagram page? 

Based on The Gentlewoman's focus on independent women and on fashion, their Instagram showcases a range of styles.

The Gentlewoman

 

Magazines: The Gentlewoman - Language and Representations

The first part of our case study on The Gentlewoman will focus on media language and representations.

The Gentlewoman deliberately offers an alternative version of the women's fashion magazine genre and we need to explore how page design, content and conventions are used or subverted to create this effect. We also need to consider the different representations that can be found in these features.

You need to really get to know the selected CSP pages for this edition of The Gentlewoman featuring Scarlett Johansson on the cover. You can download the Gentlewoman selected CSP pages as a PDF here - you'll need to log in to your Greenford Google account to download them.

Notes from the lesson

The Gentlewoman: an introduction

The Gentlewoman is an alternative independent women’s fashion magazine aimed at a niche audience.

It was launched in 2010 and is published just twice a year with around 100,000 copies distributed worldwide. 

Social and cultural contexts

The Gentlewoman is part of a development in lifestyle and environmental movements of the early 21st century which rebrand consumerism as an ethical movement. 

Its representation of femininity reflects an aspect of the feminist movement which celebrates authenticity and empowerment. As part of the design-led, independent magazine sector, The Gentlewoman can also be seen as part of a movement responding to the idea of ‘Internet fatigue’.

The Gentlewoman editor: Penny Martin

Penny Martin has edited the magazine since its launch. "I'm interested in how modern women live, from the way they drink, dance, drive and speak to the way they sign their letters or conduct their divorces. It's about putting those women at the centre of the material world around them. That balance is important to us." 

Cover stars have ranged from 88-year-old actor Angela Lansbury to popstar Beyoncé, looking calm, strong and composed in Dior with a face free of make-up. 

What is a gentlewoman?

In the first issue – called ‘Modernist’ – Penny Martin defined the term:

The magazine’s subjects would be “stylish, intrepid, and often hilarious” contemporary women, and they would be depicted in journalism and portraits that reflected “women as they actually look, sound and dress.” 

In contrast to “the passive and cynical cool of recent decades,” Martin wrote, “The Gentlewoman champions the optimism, sincerity, and ingenuity that actually get things done.”

The Gentlewoman: Language and Representation blog tasks

Close-textual analysis

Work through the following tasks to complete your close-textual analysis of the Gentlewoman CSP pages:

Gentlewoman front cover 

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

The typefaces used on the front cover of Gentlewoman suggest sophistication, appealing to an audience interested in style and culture.

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

The Gentlewoman cover subverts conventional magazine design by featuring unconventional placement of text and imagery, and a focus on unique personalities rather than traditional glamor.

3) Write an analysis of the central image.

Central image of Scarlett seems to include heavy eye makeup along with a close up of her face.

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

On the front cover of Gentlewoman featuring Scarlett Johansson, representations of gender and celebrity are depicted through her confident appearance.

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

The cover of Gentlewoman featuring Scarlett Johansson challenges traditional gender roles by emphasising her individuality, applying theories like the male gaze.

Feature: Modern Punches

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

Narrative of her boxing journey, focusing on key moments and her life, which creates empathy and admiration among readers.

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

In the feature on Ramla Ali, she is portrayed as an amazing athlete through interviews emphasising determination, complemented by images showcasing her strength and skill in boxing.

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

The "Modern Punches" feature can be seen using Stuart Hall's encoding/decoding theory, which explores how media messages are created and interpreted by audiences.

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. 

This feature on Isabella Tree is unconventional for a women's lifestyle magazine as it focuses on topics like environmental conservation rather than fashion trends.

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 Isabella Tree feature reflects British concerns about biodiversity, and ethical movements, wanting people to be environmentally aware.

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

The feature on Isabella Tree portrays nature through descriptions of landscapes, wildlife habitats, and the environment.

Feature: Stella McCartney and vegan fashion

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

This feature on Isabella Tree addresses contemporary concerns like environmental issues and climate change.

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

clean fonts and white space, complemented by nature imagery to add to the theme of the environment.

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

The image accompanying this feature shows natural landscapes, presenting the environments beauty.

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? 

They wanted to create a magazine that challenged traditional fashion norms.

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

They aimed to construct representations of modern women that were diverse, and authentic, showcasing a range of lifestyles beyond stereotypes.

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

Cover stars of The Gentlewoman reflect diversity through featuring women of colour, presenting their achievements.

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

Penny Martin sees feminism as a key point to The Gentlewoman's identity, presenting women's achievements and perspectives.

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 Gentlewoman helps readers construct their identity by connecting with them during cultural events and influential figures.