Term 2 - Researching Mastheads

For this unit we must develop the ability to tell stories through visual means. This unit explores the power of storytelling within fashion communication, specifically for editorial fashion images. Our brief is to create a narrative fashion editorial that addresses issues of diversity. Fashion images are often criticised for their dependence on rigid beauty ideals that exclude groups of people based on issues including but not limited to age, race, and body type. This brief is being run in conjunction with the All Walks Beyond the Catwalk Diversity NOW! 2015 campaign supported by i-D online.

Narrative: a representation of a particular situation or process in such a way as to reflect or conform to an overarching set of aims or values: 

Diversity: 

The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance, respect and understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. 

I have started off this unit by exploring different Mastheads online. I received the latest issue of Tank magazine for Christmas, I have never actually had my own copy of this magazine until now and I really enjoyed the contemporary approach to fashion. Included in the magazine is a variety of coexisting cultural themes, such as art, architecture, fashion, current affairs, and music. The magazine has acquired an "idiosyncratic, distinct voice through design, critical approach to writing and eclectic style". Acquiring this magazine encouraged me to do some of my own research into it, and through this process I was connected to multiple different magazines that I had not come across before, such as - "10" , "Purple Fashion" and "Soon international". Although magazines such as VOGUE and ELLE have immense credibility in the fashion-sphere, I feel that my style does not collate. As you can see through my mood board, I have chosen magazines that celebrate emerging talent, culture and youth with a bit more "edge". 

After researching mastheads I decided to really get a feel for some of the magazines I had initially looked into. With assistance from the internet I started collecting editorial style imagery from each magazine. This process helped me to identify which style Id like to adopt for my own editorial style shoot, and which mastheads didn't really coincide with the style I was looking for. I have managed to narrow down my options to a handful e.g. Dazed&Confused, I.D, Garage, 10, Love, Tank and Another magazine. To narrow my options down further I intend to view these in person and purchase either recent copies or past copies on eBay.