Gw language and representations

 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?

There's very bright but plain colours, the magazine shares a simplistic look aside from the centre image which is the model who has very some would say 'over the top makeup' this suggests that the magazine itself is abstract and the lack of taglines inferring whats in the magazine shows that the audience is a loyal base and know what will be contained in there

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

They lack many conventions, they are first of all presented as 'informal' in terms of magazine terminology as the title is written in all lowercase and in sans serif, it also lacks tag lines, selling lines, a left third filled out section and much more, this really makes it seem more like a book than a magazine as it only really has a title, celebrity name and a photo which is quiet discreet in itself.

3) Write an analysis of the central image.

Compared to the rest of the magazine cover which is very simplistic, the central image consists of a big shot celebrity with a very abstract makeup style which has been done purpously for this shoot as its not the type of makeup that particular celebrity usually wears. It does on the other hand compliment the magazines bright colour scheme.

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

Linked with makeup, we have the representation that women like to were excessive makeup which is clearly being shown here as the model of this magazine cover is wearing above the normal amount of makeup. And this reinforces celebrity stereotypes that celebrities have lots of money to spend on these luxuries so she doesn't have to worry about how much she puts on.

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

This argues against bell hooks theory that men dominate the media and that women have to fight back as in this magazine cover, there are no sexist views towards women and not to mention the fact that there are no men on the magazine cover. Furthermore, this is a predominantly female magazine, its even in its name 'gentlewoman'.

Feature: Modern Punches

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

Doesn't show an image of the women behind the scene just her name and work.

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

The setting serves as a metaphor for the struggles and connections between her job and her life; the Cartier watch serves as a metaphor for her career path in boxing and how she has the "golden hand" to support it.

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

When it comes to feminism, there is still much work to be done in the media sector because there is still a desire for women to live independent lives free from objectification and stereotypes, which is still present, but there are still women building their own identities in this generation's commercials who are still trying to end it.


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. 

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.

Isabella Tree describes the 'Knepp experiment' in her book Wilding, a groundbreaking rewilding initiative in West Sussex that used wandering grazing animals to develop new habitats for wildlife. Wilding is a compelling memoir that also serves as an enlightening explanation of the ecology of our rural areas. But it is most importantly a story of hope.

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

In her fundamental book on ecology, Wilding, Isabella Tree claims that "we have been persuaded by our own absorption" that the environment in Britain now has always been. That there have never been any trees on the hills, and that the creatures and vegetation are just as they should be. "We believe the countryside around us, or something very similar to it, has persisted for centuries," she says. "And the wildlife within it, if not exactly the same, is at least a fair representation of what has been here for centuries." "The immediacy of the present has blinded us."

Feature: Stella McCartney and vegan fashion

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

'Our sustainable vision is guided by and accountable to our bold values – making every action count, inspiring trust and celebrating life. We are change agents; we are activists. We stand up and speak up for Mother Earth, our fellow animals and in solidarity with all humans. '

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

With bold and large copy, the page's primary subject is highlighted.The rest is pretty understated in compared to the headline, maybe to stress the significance of the content. The serif font likewise keeps a less straightforward but still informative style.

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

In contrast to the early years of being objectified by males, Van Zoonen proposed "new women" as a new path because it would encourage others to independently discover confidence and assertiveness. He starts using the blazer that is shown in the photograph to emphasise the "assertiveness."

Representations

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? 

“At that time, we felt there was a dearth of intelligent perspectives on fashion and there wasn't really a fashion magazine for actual readers. I guess you could say that there are a few more magazines like us now. But when we started, many magazines had the visual right, or had the text right, but very few managed to reconcile the two."

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

'This realistic and modern approach is reflected in The Gentlewoman's general editorial point of view, which, according to Martin, begins with the woman rather than the product."I'm interested in what [The Gentlewoman] tells you about how modern women live, from the way they drink, dance, drive and speak to the way they sign their letters or conduct their divorces. '

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

The 88-year-old actor Angela Lansbury, who appeared on the cover wearing a peach silk blouse and Terry Richardson's black frame glasses, to pop sensation Beyoncé, who wore Dior and appeared serene, peaceful, and strong while wearing no makeup. Inside, The Gentlewoman has published profiles of a variety of accomplished women, including news anchors, entrepreneurs, novelists, gardeners, and painters.

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

Even if feminist ideals are not depicted, there are elements related to feminism. She adds that feminists are responsible for its creation, but she doesn't want this to have an impact on the journal as a whole.

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? 

They made a GQ club where they organise meetups, invite members, and encourage interaction among readers for a select amount of people.