Magazines: The Gentlewoman - Language and Representations

 Gentlewoman front cover 

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

The use of the modern sans serif font, also in all lower case no capital letters is used in the magazine cover to reflect the modernist apporach values of the magazine.

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

The colour scheme of the magazine is bright and vibrant which for example with the orange cover and black border which makes the red lipstick cover bold makes the magazine unconventional because traditional magazines often use more restrained colour schemes, whereas GQ’s use of contrasting colours makes the cover appear more unconventional, contemporary and visually distinctive.

3) Write an analysis of the central image.

Camerawork - combines a use of close up and low angle which tightly frames the portrait unconvential, also shows star power

Mise en scene - such as the makeup is skiking which reinforces feminity 1960s popstar feel

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

The use of the name check, "Scarlett Johansson" shows this magazine is high end, it also empower female role as she was the highest paid actress between 2018-29.

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

Laura Mulvey – Male Gaze: The cover challenges the male gaze by presenting Scarlett Johansson as powerful and confident rather than just an object of beauty

Judith Butler – Gender Performativity: The use of makeup and feminine styling shows how gender can be performed through appearance

Gauntlett – Identity: Scarlett Johansson acts as a role model for women, representing success, confidence and independence

Stuart Hall – Representation: The magazine constructs Scarlett’s representation as glamorous, successful and powerful through her styling and camerawork.

Feature: Modern Punches

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

It tells a story of her boxing career and life story, it uses reliable locations such as East London for her to appear like her audience. . Todorov can be applied because her story moves from challenges to success. Levi-Strauss can also be applied through binary oppositions such as struggle vs success. This engages the audience because they become interested in how Ramla overcomes her challenges.

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

Ramla is represented as strong, confident, independent and ambitious, this can be seen through the interview but also the pose she does in the image which can be argued to be masculine to an extent

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

Hall can be applied because the magazine constructs Ramla as a strong and successful woman. Gauntlett can be applied because Ramla acts as a role model for women and shows that they can be independent and successful. Van Zoonen can be applied because Ramla challenges traditional representations of women as passive or focused mainly on appearance.

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 focuses on nature, conservation and the environment rather than mainly fashion or beauty. The natural setting and earthy visual style make the feature feels informative. The use of natural colours, landscape photography and simple clothing creates a connection to the environment. This challenges the stereotype that women's lifestyle magazines should mainly focus on appearance, fashion and consumerism.

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.

It reflects the growing concern about climate change and environmental problems in Britain.

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

Nature is represented as beautiful, valuable and worth protecting. The images of the countryside create a positive and peaceful representation of the natural world. Nature is also represented as something that can be restored and protected through human action. This encourages the audience to see nature as an important part of contemporary life.

Feature: Stella McCartney and vegan fashion

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

The feature reflects the growing interest in vegan, sustainability and ethical fashion. McCartney promotes fashion that avoids animal products, reflecting concerns about animal welfare and the environment. It also shows how fashion brands are responding to changing consumer attitudes.

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

The use of the simple and modern font creates a sophisticated style. The page has a minimalist design, with plenty of white space. The large image draws attention to Stella McCartney and makes her the main focus

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

She is represented as successful, confident and fashionable. Her clothing represents modern and ethical fashion. The image also challenges the idea that sustainable fashion cannot be stylish. She is presented as a role model for ethical fashion.

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 an intelligent and modern fashion magazine for “actual readers.” They wanted to combine high-quality journalism, photography and graphic design. They also wanted to focus on dressing and good taste rather than fashion trends.

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

They wanted to represent women as intelligent, independent and confident. The magazine focuses on women’s real lives, rather than only their appearance or products. This creates a representation of women as successful and diverse.

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

There is Angela Lansbury and Beyoncé. It has also featured women from different careers, including gardeners, entrepreneurs, novelists, artists and news anchors. This shows that modern women can have different ages, careers and interests.

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

The magazine is informed by feminism rather than being directly about feminism. She believes in issues such as equal pay and childcare, but does not want feminism to become simply a fashion trend. This suggests that feminism is part of the magazine's values.

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 Club allows readers to meet other people and interact with the editors through real-life events. This helps readers create a sense of community and identity around the magazine. Martin believes that real conversations and shared experiences are more valuable than online communities.