Article Deconstruction

In order to gain further understanding to how each celebrity interview was layer out in Harper's Bazaar, I purchased the latest edition which showed a series of articles positioned on a double page spreads. The magazine has showed me the type of font used for the article, the positioning of the text and what images are used to accompany it. Below is a deconstruction of both the text layout and accompanying image.

1)      The article is laid out the same as the double page introduction before; text on the left and image on the right. This follows through for the rest of the feature and provides an equal balance between information for the reader with a glamorous and stylish image. This is pleasing to the eye and conforms to the codes and conventions of a fashion magazine as readers will be interested in the clothes and accessories the celebrity is wearing and also the latest changes in their personal life.

2)    The text is displayed in two columns, the first slightly lower, creating a more fashionable edge to the block of text. The article text is Times New roman, a basic, common san serif font that will be easy to duplicate for my own article.  In addition to this there is a white box, which usually contains an impacting statement for those that just skim read the article. The text may also entice the reader to read on, as the statement is usually catchy. In this case it states “‘Chris was only 25 when we met. Too young’ she says ‘Men are very young for their age’” Commenting of recent changes in her personal life, this will immediately attract her fans and those interested in the ‘gossipy’ side of celebrity.

3)      The image used to anchor the text of the right side of the article is black and white with a slight sepia filter. Unlike other images I have analysed, these are not consistent with the image on the front cover which is in colour. The image has been taken from a medium shot showing her upper body, which again does not follow the trends vie seen so far, as they are generally full body shots to show the reader what they are wearing. The image is unlike typical ‘model’ shoots as Gwyneth is smiling, however it displays her personality well which I think is what the article is trying to convey.

4)      A small block of text anchors the image, telling the reader where each accessory or clothing item is from and how much its costs, promoting synergy between the magazine and the brands it advertises through celebrity photo-shoots.