Analysis of Vogue's Contents page

In consideration of the fact that Bodmin College Magazine does not contain a contents page, another example of how its conventions prove it would be unsuccessful if sold, I could not analyse a college magazine contents page. Nor could I find a contents page for 'College' magazine, or any sort of college magazine that was not produced by students. This compelled me to analyse a completely different genre: fashion.

Analysis of Vogue's Contents Page

The primary target audience is females who are obsessively interested in fashion. I say obsessively, as they see fashion as something of which is one of the most important things in their lives. Not only is it targeted towards females, but homosexual males, as their secondary target audience. They are stereotypically camp and also obsess over fashion. As the magazine is considered to be the most prestigious fashion magazine vacating the shelves, it has not aimed itself towards teens, as teen vogue covers that; though a lot of teenagers purchase the magazine regardless. Rather, it has aimed itself towards adults with disposable income, towards the more youthful side of adulthood, around 25-35. It is expensive for a magazine at £4.10, which connotes how it is aimed towards people of whom are not working class, but 2nd and 1st class. A lot of celebrities read it as well, which is why there is such high fashion.

The overall layout of the magazine is simplistic and not complicated, yet effective. Columns, as a typical feature of magazines, are present to ensure the contents page does  not look like a daunting string of words, but rather easy to read. Thus, widening their audience, as people who perhaps are not particularly good at reading will not feel as intimidated by the text. There is a clear gap between each paragraph, this usually breaks the text up. The masthead, the magazines name: Vogue, is effective and clear against the background. It overlaps the image, as though the name is more important than the content of the magazine, which can be compared to designer clothing. A lot of people with disposable income don't particularly care what the clothing looks like aesthetically, but what the name is. The masthead is larger than any of the other writing, and stands out against the white and grey background. This draws the readers attention immediately. Subheadings have been used above each section of writing, to ensure the reader finds it quick and easy to find each specific section. The image, located to the left, is the centre of attention (other than the headline of course) but has words layered over it, almost making it look as though it is vaguely part of the background.

Three main colours have been used to influence the colour palette of this contents page; red, black, and grey. Though grey is not such a prominent shade as the others, it occupies both of the images. The red font has been colour coordinated with the dress, as to not add a wide variety of colours which would make it look unprofessional. The white background is common in contents pages, as to not take away attention from the text and keep the audience focused. Thea subheadings are in red, which works well, as a lot of people who are interested in fashion are dismissive; if they cannot access something quick enough, they will not care and give up. The white background means that the text shows up well. The black and white is complete contrast, which means that the text is so easy to read

The imagery is always an insight to what the magazine contains. In this case, it relates to the genre. It is clear to see that the main image is fashion-related, as the denotation is a model wearing a garment, which is not the usual garment you would see in 'regular' places.There is only two images on the contents page, as not be be overpowering with images. One relates to fashion, the other is a beauty product. This connotes that the magazine is not only interested in fashion, but also alternative ways of improving yourself aesthetically, widening the audience to people who are looking for a magazine that shows you how to look good in various different ways. The model is posing, a common aspect of fashion to show maturity and, somewhat, sophistication. She is also wearing a garment which is quite revealing in places, suggesting to the audience that fashion is looking good, not covering yourself up. The image is of a female, which can relate to the female target audience, and so the readers carry on reading as they are drawn in by the imagery more than anything else. It is also a reflection of the upcoming seasons' trend. The image is beautiful, but I feel as though the picture could have been taken in a slightly different position, as the headline covers a lot of the face.

The typography is effective in a simplistic manner. All fonts are similar, excluding the iconic masthead of the magazine, which is typically going to be the one part of the magazine that is unique in comparison to others. The fonts are not varied, as the magazine would look untidy and immature, and the reader would not know where to look. This particular typography is not busy, laid out in a tidy fashion. The colour, relating back to the colour palette, is visible against the background, particularly the black text. The red is striking, as it is less present than the black and the audience are naturally drawn to the minority. Fashion is considered to be elegance, which is the reasoning for the producers creating a masthead that is elegant, a reflection of the target audience. A common convention of magazine contents pages is to have subheadings of which have been typed in capitals, this creates emphasis, allowing the reader to find knowledge that these determine the different sections present. 

Overall, I feel as though the contents page for Vogue serves its purpose of informing its target audience on the information they require to take an interest in the magazine itself well. This hands them what they want and need in a magazine. The image is a true portrayal of the ideology of people who are interested in fashion, though personally, I believe that the masthead should not be hanging over her face. This could be improved by positioning the image in a different place, or perhaps the text. The sub-headings offer up different sections to the readers, showing them that there is easy access to everything in the magazine and simple to find any one specific article. The contents page is simplistic, elegant, colour coordinated, yet is not overpowering; a true success.