Are fashion magazines mean? - YouLookFab Forum

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Are fashion magazines mean?

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Hi all, I thought about this again in one of the other forum threads. It is a great thing about the YLF forum that people can get feedback which is honest, respectful and appreciative. Obviously there are hugely differing ages, backgrounds, styles on the forum. One of the 3 main fashion magazines in NZ has been going since I think 1979, quite a success story. (We can get Vogue Australia etc plus other Australian, USA and UK magazines too, but they don't have as many NZ designers, only the odd one who is successful in Australia or USA- for example, Karen Walker). If we want to see "our" fashion we need the NZ magazines. I felt under a previous editor that a lot of the articles had quite a mean streak and I corresponded ( not with her) with a different fashion editor who used to work at the magazine I was criticising, but had changed jobs. When I had been bullied at one stage in 2007/8 and also gained a lot of weight and was menopausal at the same time, I was trying to rebuild my self-esteem and the magazines didn't help at all. I think I was buying them quite obsessively back then to try to help me with who was I now ( having changed a lot in my religious views at the time) and how could I represent who I was now on the outside? I still buy them, but not in such a hurry and I sometimes miss an issue of the one I am mentioning here- I don't like the new editor either that much, although in a different way. I still like looking at the fresh stuff for the new season is the thing, and it feels pleasant to hold a glossy magazine. Examples: ( quotes I had written in my journal, in 2013)
“ past style crimes”, “without style, you’re nobody”, “if you
have to ask “does my bum look big in this?” the answer is probably yes”, “wear
the tunics with flattering tailored trousers, not leggings”. There is
probably barely a woman in NZ who has not worn tunics with leggings at some
point. I understood that this was going out of favour at that time, but all the same if women
wear what is mainly in fashion, then at some stage it is likely to be looked on
as a past style crime in the future, so while these comments may not be intended
to make women feel bad, they could easily do so and I’m sure I wouldn’t be the
only woman who thought so. in my work as a health professional I don’t regard anyone as “nobody”, I try to
care for them all no matter who or what they are. Of course I realise that
fashion is not as serious as health, but if you feel pleased about how you look,
it can help your self-esteem as well as being fun! So you don’t want to feel put
down I think.
Now that I am on the forum with so many interesting women, I wonder what any of you think and if you keep on buying those magazines? Cheers Jenni

General

23 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Aziraphale

Veteran

Jenni, I see your point. I never buy fashion magazines myself, but sometimes I leaf through the tabloids at the grocery store check stand, and they certainly include some mean-spirited articles. (My pet peeve is when they take unflattering photos of celebrities who are clearly not aware that they're being photographed, and then burble on about their wobbly cellulite or spare tire or whatever -- as if we should be pleased to see that these people are just "ordinary women" after all).

You're not going to like this suggestion, but there IS a way to express your displeasure: don't give the magazines your money. Look at real people instead for inspiration. Go have coffee in a fashionable urban area, and watch the gals pass by on the street. If holding a glossy magazine is enjoyable for you (something I can relate to!), buy different, non-fashion-related ones. There's no shortage of beautifully edited magazines on any topic you like.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

These magazines make their business by making women feel bad about themselves. Its the way that they work. Its why they are full of all those ads. (Buy this to solve the problem!)

cindysmith

Veteran

Fashion mags always make me feel inadequate, make me feel likey clothes aren't cool enough, my hair is wrong, and etcetera.

Sara L.

Veteran

I read fashion magazines in college but now only read them at my hair salon. I also don't read parenting magazines - I don't need the guilt for working full time, and hating crafts and birthday parties.

rachylou

Veteran

Some are, some aren't. I personally like Elle, Harper's, and Marie Claire. Oh and Nylon. I think these are pretty 'empowering.'

But I sorta hate the word empowering...

binkle

Veteran

I'd differentiate between a wide spectrum of "fashion" and "tabloid" magazines, at least here in the USA.

Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, W - even with the shift over the last 15-20 years to a focus on stars and kardashian-types, they don't zero in on celebrity cellulite, or have the "you are a loser in leggings" mentality. I have enjoyed these three for many years, mostly aspirational and inspirational, of course. In addition to beautiful fashion, I learn about art, theater, books, architecture, travel, political personalities, medical developments, things I don't always hear or read about in the other magazines, tv shows, etc. that I look at. Of course I can always find fault - too-skinny models, too many features on vapid socialites, occasionally squiffy medical advice. Sometimes I'll pick up a copy of Marie Claire or Elle - I think they skew a bit younger than I'd like, but have read about lots of interesting women in many fields, and different points of view about culture and relationships.

In-Style is totally celebrity-focused in a good way I think. Everything is happy happy joy joy in their world. They feature plus size options and how-to's.

BUT, I do not feel inadequate when reading them. That is, they don't make me feel inadequate, if that makes any sense. I can make myself feel plenty inadequate, given the opportunity. I mean, sure I don't look like Karlie Kloss (and she's one of my favorite models) or have a hedge fund hubby with a Manhattan pied a terre or English countryside mansion or Mustique getaway, or can afford Chanel, but how many do, or can? After all, I'm not thrilled to be innundated with Kim K, but I could also look at it as the revenge of the big fat ass club, of which I am a charter member! If I am honest with myself, I think most of my feelings of inadequacy really stem from the cruel comments of childhood, before we were reading magazines (nor did we have the internet or social media). Sure the images we are innundated with don't always help, but there does seem to be more images of self confidence too. I am over fifty, so yes, I don't face the social media onslaught that young women do today and I have had a good long time to decide how miserable I want to make myself from popular culture imagery. Sorry TMI?!?

Maybe something like Us magazine is where it gets mean spirited? Definitely Enquirer and the other supermarket check-out rags. But I wouldn't categorize these as fashion magazines in any sense - these are tabloids. Avoid at all costs!

Joy

Veteran

I rarely buy or read fashion magazines. They seem like mostly ads and aimed at younger, wealthier women. The quotes you mention are mean because they have to know that they will upset many women.

MsMaven

Veteran

I started reading fashion magazines when I was 16--Seventeen, then Glamour. Once in a while Mademoiselle. How I looked forward to Glamour's Top Ten College girls every August. (There weren't other alternatives in those days except library books on how to dress like a lady.) Graduated to Vogue and the rest. Later I figured out that I was always looking for the Secret Key--the key to being chic, elegant, and cool. These magazines generally had little to do with the life I led. I never found the Key either--always had to buy the next month's issue.

I bought the September Vogue this last year--first magazine in ages--and was disappointed. No relation to my life now. I got tired of those articles about what to wear at a certain age. They are so expensive to produce, I can't imagine the magazines lasting much longer.

Now my fashion fix comes from YLF and a few other favorite blogs. I can't say the old magazines made me feel bad about myself. Perhaps they were damaging in that they created a fantasy would that distracted me from being 100% in my real life.

Thanks for bringing up the topic. Lately I have been thinking about how the magazines have become irrelevant.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses. And Binkle, no, not tmi! I appreciated your thinking. Definitely one magazine was more of a culprit and I agree, Aziraphale, that it makes sense not to give them my money. I do like getting at least one per new season as I like to see the new colours, really enjoy colour and the feel of the magazine in my hands. I will stick I think to just the kinder one which only comes out twice a year, an Autumn/Winter edition and a Spring/Summer edition. Otherwise YLF should meet my needs! Cheers x

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Really enjoyed reading all this thread really great topic.

Magazine i feel are geared towards certain demographics. I feel as if it has never been a reflection of me or my body type so I tend to vote with my money by not purchasing any.

I began to thrive with the rise of the online communities and "fashion blogs" more reflective of who I am.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Thanks Ledonna, yes, I think I was trying to find out what I should look like to represent the changes I had been making on the inside, if that makes any sense? I did need to renew my wardrobe at the time also as the weight gain meant I could not fit much of my clothing. And I was also going a bit mad on "retail therapy" to make me feel better, though I'm not sure it did! I feel in an overall much better space now though as apple-shaped as ever! Blogs, I can see, can definitely represent more people than magazines.

Bijou

Veteran

Hi Jenni, I rarely buy magazines any more, as they just don't connect with me the way that fashion blogs do now. I prefer to see real women wearing clothes. I do appreciate the striking beauty of tall, willowy 15 year old models, it is just not going to induce me to buy magazines. The internet has probably killed the magazine market as previously I was a Vogue reader to see fashion trends. However now I enjoy watching the Chanel, Burberry etc fashion shows on the net, rather than see one or two pieces in Vogue.

I read magazines when at the hairdresser every 6 weeks. I have to agree that body shaming is an issue with some magazines. Even if it is not directed at the reader - when they criticise a gorgeous celebrity for being too large I kind of cringe thinking well I am about 2 sizes bigger than her...so it does not make you feel that great about yourself and how judgemental people can be. I am happy to keep my distance!

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Jenni I think most feel or go through the same phase. I'm sure there are some great magazines out here. I'm just thankful for the interaction on the web.

Style Fan

Veteran

I read fashion magazines when I was a teenager. I enjoyed them as a break from my academics and I don't remember them being mean. I do remember there being a push to be "in style" but that was part of my generation. I stopped reading fashion magazines and moved on to decorating magazines when I started working.
I worked as a therapist in eating disorders and there has been lots of research done about the impact of the media on woman and body image. I won't get all preachy but why would I read something that tells me I am worthless? One of the things I love about YLF is the body positive atmosphere.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I gave up on the Cosmopolitan end of fashion magazines in my early 20's for all the reasons you're describing. I couldn't identify with them and I didn't like being being told what to think about my body. This was OK, because at the time we had magazines like The Face, which was more tuned in to fashion as culture.

The Face is no longer with us, but I still sometimes buy fashion magazines at this end of the spectrum. There are a few British publications I like which come out twice a year: The Gentlewoman, Tank, AnOther and occasionally Dazed and Confused. I've recently discovered 032c, but I'm not sure if I'll stick with it. All these focus on art and culture as opposed to body policing.

Of the mainstream, British Vogue is still quite good for editorial thanks to the wonderful Lucinda Chambers. I buy it about once a year to look at the pictures and then remember how much their patronising tone of voice annoys me. I have a soft spot for the Dutch edition of Elle, where they have a knack for making high fashion look fun and wearable. I'm also thinking I need a subscription to Teen Vogue.

My absolute favourite fashion publication is Vestoj, which I happened to share in Link Love this week. It comes out once a year in book format with more words than pictures and no advertising. There's probably still a market for well-produced printed periodicals such as these, albeit with less frequent editions.

ETA: this doesn't actually answer your question about whether fashion mags are mean or not. Some of them most definitely are, and all are prone to that "holier than thou" orthodoxy of the in-crowd, which is exactly why YLF has stolen the march for all of us.

Bennett

Veteran

I bought and devoured fashion mags obsessively starting right around puberty - they took penniless, rural me to what was my imagined future. I wouldn't change that, it was fun.

Fast forward to the closer-past me, I became disillusioned with the actual people behind those magazines by seeing them on Project Runway and such; they seemed to like entertaining each other with snarky comments and eye rolls..... I guess when you pull back the curtain and see mean girls (and boys) where you thought you would find professionals, well, I know they won't miss my dollars but that is all the power I have to wield!

Anonymous

As an unabashed magazine reader for life, I think the meanness culture is more prevalent in tabloids, and not in actual fashion magazines. Although, one could argue that any subliminal suggestions to be thinner or wealthier or better dressed are mean . My parents and now my husband would say that my addiction to magazines is the root cause of my "problems" , and perhaps they are right. But - fashion was the foundation of my formal education, with sewing and tailoring a hobby from grade school days (along with design and the business of fashion). All of these have been life-long pursuits. I guess this is my way of "justifying" buying and reading so many (I now subscribe to a digital platform that allows me to read any North American magazine I want on my iPad for very little $). But to your point - meanness? Mmmm, I'm not so sure about that. Subliminally influencing , yes.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I don't read or subscribe to fashion magazines, but will periodically read the Net-a-Porter's online version if there's an interview that interests me.

Are fashion magazines mean? Not particularly. Only when it entails singling out particular individuals to show what is "wrong."

However, their purpose is ultimately to cultivate a sense of inadequacy, need, and yearning, through the right combination of reality and fantasy.

Nobody will buy magazines featuring "regular" people because people use these outlets for fantasy purposes, and to inspire their imagination. Same reason that most of the big style IGers are super thin and super coiffed. Ain't nobody got time for that.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

GF: "Nobody will buy magazines featuring "regular" people because people use these outlets for fantasy purposes, and to inspire their imagination."

I'm not sure this is entirely true. We're certainly conditioned to expect this from our fashion press and the predominant fashion culture around it, but the relative success of street style blogs would seem to disprove that we have a particular preference for it. Heck, I'd much rather see what y'all are wearing than be bombarded with unrealistic images of airbrushed stick figures.

One of the reasons I love looking at Japanese fashion is because it's presented in the context of real people wearing real clothes. It's prone to its own kind of objectification, but by and large their fashion media is more about what to wear and how to wear it. They also have an impressive history of street style photography.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

The relative success of street style blogs is what promoted me to say I did. The top blogs, with the most unique visitors and page views, which the translate into the most lucrative contracts, are not the ones that feature regular people, leading regular lives, and wearing clothing that reflects a middle-class income.

I'm not even speaking about street style blogs like Garance Dore's or the Sartorialist's, which mostly use models, but blogs that feature the bloggers themselves, modeling the outfits. These street style blogs (since these bloggers are often photographed by others) might seem like they feature regular people because the bloggers' claim to fame is their number of the followers and nothing else (tautological, I realize), making people think, "if they can do that, I can, too." But look at their body size, hair, makeup, skin colour, and cost of their wardrobe, and you'll see that they are far from regular. As I recently discovered, even smaller blogs (in the 10-100k follower range) that seem by and for regular people are often micromanaged by PR firms.

WRT "Japanese fashion...presented in the context of real people wearing real clothes...more about what to wear and how to wear it," from what I have heard from Japanese friends, it is very much about emulating and copying what you see in magazines, as opposed to using them for inspiration. I have never been there, and do not believe that their comments are fully representative (obviously) of the fashion/style, but it was an interesting observation on their part about the difference in US/Can. compared to Japan.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

It's a good point. I think there's a chicken-and-egg situation at work with the way fashion blogs have developed over the years. There used to be a fair few independent blogs which were far more representative of what people were actually wearing (Hel-Looks springs to mind) but because they weren't embedded in the fashion industry they never got quite the same promotional support as Scott & Garance or Yvan Rodic, and so they remained on the fringe.

Now that blogging is business, that kind of management is essential maintenance, so the image making machine is essentially perpetuating itself. But that doesn't necessarily mean this is all anyone wants to look at. I certainly don't.

There's a whole other conversation to be had about the growing popularity of vlogs, which seem to be thriving on a more DIY aesthetic. I haven't decided what to make of that yet.

As for Japan, they have a very different way of looking at clothes and it shapes the fashion culture. It's very instructional, as your friends say, which is not without its problems. What this means though is that the visual languages come from somewhere quite different. It's still very idealised, but in a far more relatable way.

I recommend Ametora by David Marx. It's a fascinating history of Japanese menswear, post war. Of particular interest is the influence of a publication called Take Ivy. Also worth a look is Style Arena, the street style blog of the Japanese Fashion association.

Anonymous

I've looked through a few, but the styles don't resonate with my budget, body type of personality.

rachylou

Veteran

I miss The Face! And also enjoy Dutch Elle for the wearability of its looks.