Conventions of Fashion Magazines

Codes and Conventions of Fashion Magazines

Fashion magazines have unique conventions which allow for them to catch the reader's attention and present the articles in an interesting format. They contain a variety of codes and conventions which also distinguish them from other magazines. Let's take a look at the format and elements of fashion magazines such as their mastheads, bylines, color schemes, and much more. Not only do the codes and conventions give the magazine a unique structure, but they also have aesthetic purposes. From fashion articles to what's on the catwalk, fashion magazines include a lot of details which are put into a specific format.

Front Cover:

Each magazine issue focuses on fashion and a celebrity representing that industry. The front cover usually has main image of a mid-shot of a model, celebrity, or fashion designer. This allows for the reader to immediately know that it's a fashion magazine. They typically offer the reader with interviews on celebrities, which makes them the main selling point.

Masthead:

The masthead has a consistent font from issue to issue as well as the positioning. However, the color changes based on the color pallet of the subject's outfit or season. Sometimes the subject can cover part of the masthead since the viewer is already able to recognize its font and design. The fonts used are usually fancy and simple which gives the magazine a modern touch.

Coverlines:

Coverlines are usually grouped in a column next to the subject. They can vary from interview quotes to sensational statements. They can even be teasers of all the articles to follow.

Color Schemes:

The color schemes of these magazines are usually reliant on the current season in which the issue is published. They can also depend on the subject image being placed weather it's a spread or cover. Psychedelic, colorful, poppy, thematic are descriptions of colors used in these magazines depending on the topic or subject of the weekly or monthly issue.

Purpose:

Fashion magazines advice readers on how to dress, what's currently trending, and the celebrity news. They provide the viewers with the trending news as well as recent trends. Photo shoots by the world's best photographers and most-known models and celebrities are commonly seen throughout and even in spreads. Ultimately, the purpose of these magazines is to inform the audience on most recent events and trends, as well as to provide entertainment for these individuals.

Audience:

This magazine genre targets young females or just females in general which is why they usually opt for the colorful and seasonal designs. In addition, those interested in fashion and hearing celebrity news are a huge part of the targeted audience as well. The magazine elements that are used are able to attract the target audience easier.

Examples:

Fashion magazine designers use unique codes and convention in order to reach the correct audience and create unique designs. Below, you can see the fashion magazine that I chose by In Style. This company usually has black or white mastheads along with very simple coverlines. In order to get the audience to be interested in the content, the coverlines aren't very specific so that the consumers have to read in order to see for themselves. The color schemes are also dark and simple which create a powerful and elegant look in the cover. The model is in the center taken with a mid-shot in order to show just enough of her dress and jewelry. Overall, the magazine cover is very simple yet very elegant and fancy due to the right conventions being used together to create the right design.

Conclusion:

As you can see, a lot of elements go into your favorite fashion magazine. Not only do these codes and conventions influence the way that they can convey the information to the readers, but they also provide the structure and help set up the magazine into a way that the reader can be entertained. These magazines have consistency from issue to issue to allow for the reader to focus on the newer trends and topics. In other words, that one fashion magazine that you have sitting around has numerous things that go into its making to provide for understanding and entertainment of the reader.