website plan

 For my website, I am going to take a minimalistic approach focusing on a simplistic colour palette of black and white. To engage audiences, I will add colourful images to create a pop of colour in order to make the contents visually appealing. 

NAVIGATION BAR PLAN:

Some fun ideas of the fashion edit will be:

1) From Slides To Sneakers: The Top Shoe Trends To Rock This Summer

For the cover of this, I will use this image I got in Paris as it creates a great contrast between the simplistic colour scheme of the website. 

2) Georgia In Paris: How To Survive And Thrive In 'The Fashion Capital'

This will include a 'Day in the life of a Model in Paris'- including an article on the hottest fashion trends in Paris.

3) Frame Your Style: How To Elevate Your Look with 2026's Hottest Glasses Trends?

4) Back in Style: Vintage Jackets Making a Modern Comeback

5) Outfit breakdown- I am also planning on creating a section where I do a breakdown of the months hottest paparatsi fits- This will include candid photos I will take in the streets/ my models leaving their homes and under each of these photos will include the items they are wearing in the photos including the price of the items and where to purchase them. 

Some ideas for the beauty edit will be:

1) How To Achieve The Perfect Lip Combo 

2) Unfiltered and Unapologetic: Why Natural Skin Is the New Standard

Some ideas for the culture edit will be:

1) STYLE+ FILM CULTURE- Top looks at Cannes festival this year, 

2) MUSIC CULTURE- Presley's tour fits

3) MATCHA SEASON- How to make and match matcha ( the idea is to have a matcha making video- this will not be my 30 seconds but just for a bit of fun)

4) Make Work Your Runway- Top Office Looks

 

pitch feedback

Based on the feedback I have been given, I am going to do the following:

1- Reconsider my second cover as I am not sure it 100% meets the brief. I will move the focus away from beauty and make sure to have fashion as the main aspect of the cover. 

2- I am going to re-think about my 30 second clip and make sure it is different to that of vogues '73 questions'.

 

PITCH

 

Website Research

 

The websites of high-end fashion magazines such as Conde Nast vogue maintain many conventions. Visually, they use sleek, minimalist designs with large, high resolution images and clean typography to highlight elegance and luxury. Navigation is streamlined, with clear defined categories like fashion, beauty, culture, and runway, allowing users to quickly access curated content. These sites often integrate multi-media elements such as videos, interviews, interactive slide shows and embedded social media to enhance engagement. Editorials are updated frequently to reflect current trends and events reinforcing brands relevance. Advertising is subtly integrated through native content and sponsored features that align with the aesthetic and tone of the site, maintaining the aspirational image while generating revenue. 

For my website, I will adhere to these conventions.   

 

ELLE Case Study

 

The May 2025 cover of ELLE UK features actor Emma Corin, who identifies as gender-fluid. Their appearance challenges traditional portrayals of femininity often found in main stream media. Instead of relying on overtly feminine styling, the cover presents Emma in a more neutral, refined manner- minimal make-up, tailored clothing, and a tiara. 

In terms of media language, the composition is clean and minimalistic, ensuring the focus remains on Corrin and their attire. The image is carefully lit to highlight facial expressions that balance strength and vulnerability. The use of neutral tones in the background further enhances the emphasis on the model, maintaining a modern and refined aesthetic typical of high-end fashion magazines. 

In terms of media representation, Emma Corrin- who has publicly discussed their non-binary identity- brings a layer of complexity to the concept of 'power dressing'. Their presence on the cover challenges traditional gender expectations in fashion, presenting a fluid, contemporary take on what it means to embody power. The styling and overall visual narrative speak to the inclusivity of modern fashion, where power and authority are no longer confined to strictly feminine or masculine ideals. 

Harpers Bazaar case study and research

Dazed is an example of a strong cross-platform branding . Dazed pushes the boundaries of fashion journalism with experimental visuals, youth-driven stories and a focus on underground subcultures. Their covers often challenge traditional aesthetics and celebrate individuality and social diversity. 

Bright colours, collage styles, distorted typography, and glitchy visual effects often appear in both digital and print. The website includes video interviews, editorial playlists, and interactive elements, mirroring the chaotic but curated feel of the magazine. 

The May issue of BAZZAR features Florence Pugh and follows many of the conventions typical of high-end fashion publications while also making deliberate stylistic choices that set it apart. The magazine sticks closely to the expected format of luxury fashion media. The photography is polished and editorial in style, showcasing Florence Pugh ibn a poised, elegant stance that reflects the magazines high-end identity. The cover maintains Bazaars minimalistic, refined design with no excessive headlines or distractions, just a clear focus on Pugh and her styling. The typography is classic, using serif fonts in all caps to reinforce a sense of timeless sophistication. 

Florence Pugh presence on the cover connects the issue to the wider world of film and celebrity culture. Readers who recognise her from popular movies will bring context with them, adding meaning to the pictures. Her presence links the magazine to themes of fame, talent, and modern femininity. In addition, the style of photography- particularly the dramatic lighting and classical pose- echoes traditional portrait painting. This subtle reference creates a connection between the world of high fashion and historical art, suggesting Pugh is not just a celebrity, but a cultural icon. The choices help Bazaar appeal to an audience that values both modern pop culture and timeless style.

Conde Nast Research

Conde Nast is a globally recognised media company that produces some of the most influential print, digital, video, and social brands in the world. With a portfolio that includes Vogue, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, GQ and wired, the company positions itself at the forefront of premium content creation. Founded in 1909, it has evolved with the media landscape, transitioning successfully from a legacy print publisher into a multimedia powerhouse. This adaptability is a key aspect of Conde Nast's brand identity- innovation, quality journalism, and cultural influence are central to its mission.

The brand is strongly associated with style, sophistication, and authority within the industries it covers, particularly fashion, politics, tech and lifestyle. Conde Nast leverages high production values and a carefully curated editorial voice, which has helped it maintain a strong connection with both niche and mainstream audiences. This is evident in their media kits, which highlight their audience reach, brand prestige, and cross-platform storytelling capabilities. For example, Vogue targets affluent, trend-savvy consumers through a mix of editorial features, video content and events, whilst Wired caters to tech-forward readers with an interest in innovation and digital culture. 

Case studies featured in Conde Nast's business materials often emphasize successful brand partnerships and advertising campaigns. These illustrate how their platforms can create deep engagement through native advertising, influencer collabortations and data-driven content strategies. A campaign with Gucci for example saw content rolled out across multiple Conde Nast titles, blending editorial and branded messaging seamlessly to reach a highly specific, global audience. The success of such campaigns is often quantified through metrics like engagement rates, video views, and social shares, underlining Conde Nast's ability to deliver both style and substance. 

The codes and conventions employed by Conde Nast brands are refined, consistent, and rooted in high-end aesthetics. Across its properties, we can find elegant typographic choices, strong use of white space, professionally composed imagery, and a tone that balances authority with aspirational storytelling. These elements contribute to a cohesive visual and editorial identity, whether the content appears in print, on a website or within a social media feed. 

 VOGUE by Conde Nast

Vogue is one of the most influential fashion and lifestyle publications in the world, published by the global media company Conde Nast. Operating across print, digital, social media, and live events, Conde Nast is home to numerous high-profile brands including, The New Yorker, GQ, and Vanity Fair. Amongst these international magazines, Vogue stands out as a flagship title, shaping trends and cultural conversations on a global scale. Its influence is particularly strong in fashion, where it acts not only as a publication but also as an authority on luxury, beauty, and cultural sophistication. The brand has been synonymous with high fashion since its early 20th century origins and continues to dominate through its multiple international editions and its strong digital presence.

The Vogue brand is defined by its commitment to elegance, innovation, and aspirational storytelling. Its audience consists largely of style-conscious, affluent readers who are interested in both the aesthetics of fashion and the cultural context surrounding it. Visually, the brand relies on polished, art-directed photography, often working with renowned photographers and stylists to create iconic imagery. The use of serif fonts gives the magazine a timeless and authoritative look. Each issue is carefully curated to blend the worlds of fashion, celebrity and current affairs, reflecting the magazines role as both trendsetter and cultural commentator. Content often includes long-form interviews, runway reports, and editorial shoots that explore wider societal issues such as sustainability, race, gender, and politics, especially under the editorial leadership of Anna Wintour. 

In terms of media production, Vogue adheres to a set of recognisable codes and conventions. These include minimalist page layouts, high-fashion editorial photography, sophisticated language and an inspirational tone. It covers frequently feature A-list celebrities or high-profile models, styled in luxurious and avant-garde fashion. These visual and editorial elements are not only consistent across print but are also adapted for digital platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Digital content often includes bts videos, beauty tutorials and fashion explainers all of which maintain the brands elegant and professional aesthetic. The tone is always polished and insightful, aligning with Vogues image as a leader in the fashion and media industries. 

By analysing Vogues case studies and editorial content, we can clearly identify the brands core codes and conventions. These include a commitment to artistic direction, exclusivity, and cultural relevance. Any media product aiming to align or take inspiration from Vogue should reflect these values through refined visuals, intelligent storytelling and an awareness of contemporary issues. The brands ability to merge fashion with broader cultural discussions is what continues to set it apart in the crowded media landscape. 

Industrial context

 History:

• 1731 – The Gentleman’s Magazine is launched in London – often considered the first general-interest magazine.
• 1830s–1900s – Illustrated magazines become popular (e.g. Harper’s Weekly in the U.S.).
• 1920s–1950s – The golden age of print magazines; titles like Time, Vogue, Life, and The New Yorker dominate.
• 1960s–1990s – Rise of niche and lifestyle magazines (Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, Elle, GQ).
• 2000s–2010s – Print circulation declines due to internet and mobile content. Digital editions emerge.
• 2010s–Present – Many magazines shift to online-first or digital-only formats. Social media becomes key for marketing and audience engagement.

Major players in Style and lifestyle media:

CONDE NAST- Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, WIRED: known for luxury, fashion, global influence.

HEARST- Elle, Bazaar, Cosmopolitan: known for youthfulness, accessible style content.

DAZED MEDIA- Dazed, NOWNESS: known for its experimental, art-based, high-concept fashion approach. 

FINANCE

Advertisement: Branded content, influencer campaigns, product placement.

Subscription models: digital and print

Sponsored collaborations: limited edition covers, fashion partnerships.

Events and merchandising: Fashion weeks, pop-ups, branded merch

DISTRIBUTION

Print- High-street retail in retailers such as WHSmith and supermarkets.

Digital- Websites, apps and platforms

Social media: Distribution of video, image, reels and clickable links.

EXCHANGE

Audience engagement- Likes, comments, reposts, shares 

Community building- Online forums, newsletters, exclusive members content.

How audiences access magazines:

-Mobile access- most audiences read through phones

-Audio and video add-ons- Podcasts, bts photo shoots, video editorials

-Personalisation- AI curated newsfeeds and article suggestions based on audience user data.