The Gentlewoman: Language and Representation

 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?

The typefaces suggest that the design is bright and vibrant as it follows a colour scheme of orange border and purple makeup. 

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

This subverts typical women's lifestyle fashion magazine as it is stereotypically seen to be more feminine with more colours relating to pink.

3) Write an analysis of the central image.

The central image is seen like a framed portrait to give it an artistic design. It is seen to be a low angle close up of Scarlett Johansson that seems to have an unconventional cover shot with striking makeup and no appearance of fashion aespect in the magazine.

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

Scarlett Johansson is seen as the highest paid actor in 2018-2019, her celebrity name is seen to be written in serif font to contest with her ultra modern make up. This low angle shot shown on the front cover creates and empowering impression especially with the eye contact made with the camera.

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

We can apply Mulvey's theory of the male gaze where the model SJ is heavily made up, even though it may not appeal so much to a male audience we can say how it was a need for her to be made up so heavily to attract a male population. Butlers gender troubles can be applied to the fact that gender is socially constructed by how her pose is seen feminine and the close up on her face to empathise her beauty. We can say the magazine tried to subvert these stereotypes however their appeals still adhere social norms of females in society.

Feature: Modern Punches

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

The feature on Ramla Ali uses a inclusive narrative where the sport of boxing is seen as gender neutral. This can link to propps narrative theory of how she is seen as the hero in the aespect that she subverts stereotypes on equality being a role model for other women.

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

We can see there is a representation of working class, expanding audience and even attempts more inclusivity. Theres also representation of women in boxing and the experience of it where in the image she is wearing a blue and gold Nike tracksuit that also subverts female characteristics.

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

We can apply how Butlers theory  of gender is socially constructed is rejected by the way the interview subverts female sports.  Van zoonens is also rejected on how competition, individualism and ruthlessness is seen as masculine values. This can be back by the photoshoot where it rejects wester beauty standards/ideals as Ramala is seen to be strong.

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. 

The feature is unconventional for a women lifestyle magazine as it focuses little on environment and more on nature which is seen as unusual the facts that audience are expecting interviews and fashion.

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 as the Knepp Castle Estate is captured in the photoshoot which is Stately home. The British author sir Charles Burrer is the 10th Baronet married to Lady Burrell who is a British aristocrat. It values the social and cultural context of Britain by reflecting its environment.

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

Nature is seen as visual arts where is juxtaposes images which are bleach and lifeless. It reflects environments that are desperate to support building campaigns and save the beauty of nature by empowering society about important issues.

Feature: Stella McCartney and vegan fashion

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

The feature empathises the rapid change in contemporary fashion and how society is also changing the way we view fashion as well as the ethical ways. This shows the movement of fake leather and vegan handbags on how culturally and socially people no longer want to harm animals in order for designer objects.

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

The page opens up and closes with a san-serif font for a modern feel whilst the title of the feature and the name of designs that dominates pages is in serif to illustrate how it is capitalised. The page design is unconventional seen for women's lifestyle and fashion magazine as it has a messy look to it. They intended to have an authentic look for audience to feel more comfort with the magazine.

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

We can see representation of an upper-class educated background which is unconventional minimalistic and industrial. The authenticity is prioritised so that gentle women appeals to be real and is able to connect with its target audience as not fake.

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? 

 Penny Martin, Gert Jonkers and Jop van Bennekom

They wanted to create a biannual sister publication.

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

They tried building up the fashion section by making it a bit more outspoken, a bit livelier, even a bit sexier. They wanted to construct modern women with ideas that are so seductive yet pragmatic.

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

The cover stars have ranged from 88-year-old actor Angela Lansbury, shot in a peach silk blouse and Terry Richardson's black frame glasses, to popstar Beyoncé, looking calm, strong and composed in Dior with a face free of make-up.

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

She says that the magazines view on feminism it isn't about those things, it's a magazine informed by those things. Its a magazine made by feminists and doesn't want to make those values and principles fashionable, because she doesn't want to undermine them by turning them into an aesthetic.

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? 

It talks about how they recently formed a Gentlewomen club which extends the magazine's brand into physical events where readers can interact and chat with editors.