by SLK

Created on: November 25, 2008   Last Updated: December 28, 2008

Vogue magazine: Vogue, not just a noun, nor a verb, but a state of mind. Vogue magazine is a recognized brand of American style and luxury that has been produced in its current guise for over ninety years, in the fickle world of magazine production longevity is all.

But enough of the introduction, people the world over know and recognize Vogue as the fashion magazine at the top of the tree however it is not without it's detractors. Many people criticize Vogue for its ad ratio versus the editorial. It's true; Vogue is full of adverts for the luxury giants YSL, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and, in recent years, more affordable brands such as Gap, H&M and French Connection. The adverts are like extra layers of wrapping paper when you are trying to reach the present itself however those adverts pay for the magazine. The cover charge does not and it is no coincidence that in the current economic climate, the magazines, all of them, are getting lighter as the advertisement revenues shrink. So whilst the adverts can seem rather distracting they do play a vital role for the magazine's survival.

Another criticism leveled at the magazine is that it's unrealistic and the fashion presented is too extreme. Once again I acknowledge the truth of this, however I firmly believe Vogue presents a diverse array of art, fashion, photography and even literature to serve as inspiration, not literal interpretation. In more recent years I believe Vogue is moving towards a more accessible approach, current Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour is credited with introducing mid-priced clothes mixed in with the luxurious end of the market in the lavish photo shoots, proving that fashion is truly democratic and can be created on any budget. In Vogue's favor, no one can deny the impact a Vogue editorial can have on street fashion. Low-rise jeans for example were made popular by Alexander McQueen in the 90s and were featured consistently through out the years 1994 - 7 and only now are we seeing any alternative from designers in the decidedly directional high-waited jeans that are being worn by the select few. Similarly, were would Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista be without Vogue? To follow this train of thought, if la Moss had not been featured on the cover as frequently would she have the TopShop design deal? How would the average British woman on the street look if she was not running into TopShop and spending in excess of 100 Million GBP (approximately $ 160 Million dollars at current rates) to snap up her Rock Chick look of the moment?

My final point is that although Vogue is extreme and the editorial rather particular, it does at least write for an educated reader, making no apology for being book-learned and culturally-interested. In a world of political correctness run riot, it is refreshing and honest to have a magazine that showcases the most extreme and opulent couture and dissects each look down to the finer elements, allowing readers with perhaps less cultural savvy (and I count myself in this group) to make their own interpretations and understand the influences that lead to the finished product. Fashion, whether we acknowledge it or not, influences how every consumer looks and whilst some are more interested in this process than others, Vogue magazine opens the doors on the precious secrets of fashion for anyone who cares to know.

In buying a fashion magazine, people, women mostly, are aspiring to a lifestyle and in buying Vogue you are trying to befriend that aloof brunette at the party, the one dressed unlike anyone else wearing incredible shoes. You may not fully understand her, you may not like her but you are certainly intrigued.

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