Researching Magazines

Product Analysis - "Dazed" Magazine

Analysing products that are similar to the one required to create considering media language, representation, audience and industry.

Dazed, formerly known as Dazed & Confused is a monthly British style magazine that covers music, fashion, film, art and literature. They are known to portray a variety of styles on their front covers, from funky and playful ones to more formal b&w ones.

As shown in the collage above, different models and influencers are pictured in very different shots, this connoting the fact that the magazine is trying to come up with something innovative each time. The layout of Dazed is very organised as they use impactful images and columns on alternative pages. A variety of fonts are used throughout the articles in order to attract the eye and give the magazine an outstanding design. The photography used is very posed with a edgy twist, usually with the model giving direct address. This is usually used to create a connection between the subject and the audience. Their minimalist style is conveyed on their front covers, as they usually contain only two main cover lines. This balance of minimalistic covers they create is to emphasise on capturing the perfect picture of their star.

Another example of a simple cover they have created:

Lana Del Rey oozes old Hollywood glamour in purple feathered coat as she graces cover of Dazed magazine.

The singer put on an ethereal display on the front cover of the Spring/Summer 2017 Dazed magazine.

She is seen surrounded by mauve ostrich feathers, as she exudes old Hollywood glamour in the shot.

Dazed has captured a close up of Del Rey's face, seductively posing whilst still maintaining direct address to the audience. The light pastel colours and the pink's used connote the femininity and sassiness of her character. This gives us a very summery/romantic vibe, but on the other hand the mauve ostrich feathers and the shining diamond attached to her ear suggest her luxurious and wealthy lifestyle. Dazed are known for changing their colour scheme and subject's pose based on their own persona. The message they're sending this time, is that being glamorous means being rich, and only A listers like Lana could take part of this superior lifestyle. The masthead's font size is very big and bold, yet it still gives the magazine a simplistic look. The colour of the masthead is white, connoting purity and innocence, other characteristics of Lana's personality. There are only two main cover lines, and this lets the audience really admire Lana's beauty and lets them focus on the glamorous photograph. As Lana has a vivid star power, the audience will really appreciate this summer cover of Dazed.