Marie Claire
Marie Claire never ceases to satisfy my fashion and celebrity question and answers appetite. In the Mar. 2010 issue, there is an emphasis on the new looks for spring: army-inspired camouflage print, crystals, and bright colors. The layout of the pages made each look pop out amongst the rest of the black print. The journalist’s choice in having model-inspired looks for a more affordable price made the fashion advice more applicable to women during this economic crisis. Also, I have noticed an increase in advertisement between articles, yet more features are offered now than in 2009.
Although Marie Claire writers succeed at offering an array of topics and fashion coverage, I have noticed a decrease in conservatism within the last couple of issues. In the question and answer article entitled “Going Gaga” by Ning Chao, Lady Gaga responded to a question using the “f-word.” First of all, the journalist asked Gaga many questions about her involvement with the MAC AIDS Fund and her views about being referred to as a role model. These topics appeared biased because of the emphasis on Gaga’s supporting the war on AIDS. I found it quite ironic that Gaga chose to say “You forgot that condom in your purse and save your own fucking life.” This allowance on behalf of Marie Claire in letting this swear word to be printed shocked me due to the magazine’s usual classy appeal. Also, I thought that Chao chose the wrong angle in interviewing Gaga about her involvement with MAC which led to more controversial responses. Instead, I would’ve enjoyed reading about how Gaga got her colorful style because I seek information about fashion in Marie Claire rather than blasé bios.
Going further with the idea of Marie Claire’s expansion of what can be printed in its magazine, I want to react to an article called “How I Planned a Menage A Trois.” Yes, sex serves a key role in fashion. On the other hand, do I really need to know about journalist Pamela Drunkerman’s search for a woman for her husband’s 40th birthday present? This story told in the first-person left me wondering as to why one would want to add this to a fashion magazine. On one hand, it could inspire middle-aged women who read the magazine to broaden their sexual horizons. On the other hand, it could make younger readers justify increased sexual behavior. If I was the editor-in-chief of Marie Claire, I would have left this article out and edited Gaga’s comment in order to maintain a classier image for the magazine.
Marie Claire did have a great range of topics in this issue, from hot new looks for spring to easier hair looks. One piece in particular that stood out to me was the profile on Chelsea Lately. This article by Christine Lennon seemed to have a bias in favor of Lately, yet it was subtly accomplished through her use of quotes. Lennon not only emphasized Lately’s influence on female comedy but also on women in general. As a female comedian, Lately’s E! talk show spices up the usually male dominated talk shows. Adding this profile to Marie Claire positively added flavor for working women readers who would appreciate a role model such as Chelsea Lately.
Likes: “Big Girl in a Skinny World” and “Friends Indeed”
Dislikes: “The Breakup Artist” and “Going Gaga”
Suggestions for Improvement: Class it up; leave out the curse words and threesome talk.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Editors really do set the tone for a magazine. I'm interested to hear you state what your standard would be and why -- to have some class.
ReplyDeleteMy standard would be held at a much higher level. Even if Lady Gaga did use the "f word," I would use f*** or ask the writer of the article to use a different quote that better meets the magazine's needs. Besides, that quote wasn't even enlightening or helpful for readers anyway. Maintaining this image is important because many of Marie Claire's readers are business women.
ReplyDelete