Analysis of Three Style Magazines

  

Analysis of Style Magazines

               

The masthead of this Dazed [And Confused] issue is positioned boldly at the top, using a white, bold, sans-serif font. It is partially obscured by the main coverline – ‘Come as you are’ – which employs a flowing italicised serif script in yellow. This layered effect creating a layered effect that suggests confidence and brand recognition – an approach often seen in high-end style magazines. The white colour stands out starkly against the vivid yellow background, a colour contrast used again to show the main coverline, ensuring the masthead is still legible despite the overlap. The colour scheme of the cover is striking and playful. A vibrant yellow background paired with the turquoise of the quirky, tortoise glasses worn by the cover star instantly grabs attention. These bright hues, complemented by the green and yellow toy glasses, convey a sense of rebellion and creativity, aligning with the magazine’s youthful, alternative vibe. This pop of colour is balanced by the white text used for the cover lines, creating a visually engaging yet cohesive design. Typography is key here. The masthead uses a heavy, bold sans-serif font, exuding authority and modernity, while the main cover line adds a sense of casual invitation and contrast to the otherwise bold, blocky fonts. Other cover lines are primarily white, uppercase sans-serif, maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic that’s easy to read even amidst the busy visuals. The main image features cover star Michael Pitt, in a close-up shot, centred on the page, wearing playful, oversized glasses that resemble two green tortoises. This quirky styling aligns with the magazine’s reputation for celebrating alternative fashion and youth culture. The direct eye contact, even behind the glasses, creates a personal connection with the viewer, while the slightly messy hair and neutral expression convey a laid-back, cool vibe that resonates with the magazine’s target audience. The layout adheres loosely to the rule of thirds, with the masthead and cover line occupying the top third, the main image dominating the middle, and the supporting cover lines balanced across the bottom third. This creates an eye-catching yet organized structure that guides the viewer’s gaze naturally from top to bottom. Overall, this cover is constructed to appeal to a target audience of 16–25-year-olds who value alternative fashion, individuality, and youth culture. The playful yet edgy design, vibrant colour palette, and strong sense of identity create a sense of belonging for readers who see themselves as part of an unconventional, creative community. 

The masthead ‘KINFOLK’ is clean and minimalist, using a refined and horizontally spaced serif font in white. The framing   the top and centre adds to the simplicity, conveying elegance and modern sophistication. The colour scheme is soft and muted, utilising only three colours (white, blue, orange) altering the hues to bolster and emphasise the people. The bright, reddest orange draws the consumers eyes to the front lady first, with the circular prop mimicking warning sign, scientifically proved to be a visual hook. The typography is minimalist and graceful throughout, ensuring readability and clarity, further emphasising the calm, mental-wellbeing focused nature of the brand and this issue in particular. Supporting images are integrated subtly as background figures, maintaining a cohesive and uncluttered design. Cover lines are minimal, positioned at the bottom left, using small white text that doesn’t detract from the serene image. The main cover line, “The Well-Being Issue,” is prominent yet understated, reflecting the magazine’s focus on mindfulness and balance. There’s no visible dateline or selling line, contributing to the cover’s clean aesthetic. The rule of thirds is subtly applied, with the model and balloon placed on the vertical third line, naturally guiding the viewer’s eye across the page while maintaining visual harmony. Overall, the cover conveys tranquillity, balance, and modern style, appealing to an audience interested in wellness, design, and a thoughtfully curated lifestyle.  

This masthead is bold and eye-catching; i-D go for the approach where they completely alter all features of the masthead issue-to-issue to fit the style. The stylised combination of lower and uppercase here with the striking red of this and the subordinate coverlines mirrors the lipstick of the cover star. The subtle hyphen between the letters in the masthead gives an almost winking impression (i-D) aligning with the rebellious, non-conforming creative ethos.  The colour scheme is unique and striking: a cream background with strong pops of red, yellow, and blue. Red dominates, used for the masthead, cover lines, and the model’s lipstick, creating a strong focal point. Yellow is introduced at the bottom with “ALL STAR” in a bold, stencil-like font, adding a vibrant, youthful energy to the design. Blue is used sparingly to highlight geometric overlays and small details, balancing the overall palette. The fonts are varied but consistently bold and impactful. The masthead uses a thick, blocky sans-serif, instantly recognisable. The cover lines listing zodiac signs are handwritten-style, casual yet edgy, adding a DIY punk feel. At the bottom, “ALL STAR” is in a heavy, geometric typeface reminiscent of stencilled street art, conveying urban cool. Font sizes vary, with the masthead largest, then the cover lines and supporting text gradually smaller, guiding the reader’s eye naturally down the page. The main image features a close-up of a female model’s face, taking up almost the entire cover. Her expression is playful and mischievous, with one eye winking – a classic i-D trademark. Her bright red lipstick and strong eyebrow shape add visual impact and align with the magazine’s bold aesthetic. Supporting images are absent; i-D often uses a single, striking portrait as the sole image, ensuring maximum impact and reinforcing the brand’s minimalist-yet-bold aesthetic. The cover lines run vertically down the left side of the page in a handwritten style, listing zodiac signs – a quirky, playful touch that nods to personal identity and alternative culture. There’s no clutter; the simplicity makes the cover feel contemporary and confident.