Not counting Celia Holman Lee and Jackie Lavin, old Irish ladies aren't given much opportunity to get their legs out in public. No bad thing really, because when they do bare all, it always looks a bit wrong, a bit 'divorced auntie at a wedding.'
That said, I'd like if Irish magazine editors starting taking a few more chances with both their cover girls and their styling. This vacant blonde 19-year-old thing is getting a bit stuffy and mundane. It's all too safe.
A magazine cover should be a talking point, it should fling itself off the shelf. Most of the covers I've seen in newsagents recently just sit there with all the sparkle and personality of a speaking clock voiceover by Andrea Roche.
A blank stare, a watery interview and a designer dress will no longer cut it, especially now when everyone and their mother is on the lookout for a spark of inspiration, something to sow the seeds of a new outlook, anything, anything fresh.
For me to part with my hard-earned cash, you're going to have to make me feel like I want to be part of something. Your magazine must have something I need, and right now I need ideas, a new concept, something to aspire to. You have to make me want you.
Inspiring is not Sile Seoige blabbering about being "best friends" with all of her 28 sisters. Inspiring is 62-year-old Diane Von Furstenberg wearing heels, fishnets and a Martin Margiela coat made out of blonde wigs on the cover of Purple Fashion Magazine's S/S issue looking like she's about to burst with pure, unadulterated joy.
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12 comments:
I couldn't agree more. I'm fed up of plastic photoshopped head shots. Give me over the top make-up, an outfit that pushes boundaries and a bit of realism and I will swipe my laser card gladly.
Exactly, a few times over, I'll subscribe for fuck sake... just give me something worth subscribing to!
Oh my goodness, this is amazing! I love her and I love the magazine for having the hutzpah to do this!
i agree, but i think irish magazines appeal to a completely different market than you and me. if they were to do something different all of a sudden, then they'd lose the readers they already have: the mums, the businesswomen, the working lady, the housewife. but we do need something that appeals to a different market with fresh ideas and concepts. pity with the way everything is shutting down or closing here, it probably wont sustain.
Yes, I've really tried and failed to find them interesting and attractive over the years.
It's not just the content and vapid plasticity it's the design and the typography... don't get me started on the typography.
There are far too many of them as well. Not sure they will all make it through the downturn. If some of them stood out, and took the odd risk they might survive. It is a time to be bold I think.
Diane von F looks incredible and so alive.
I think Irish magazines have found it too easy for too long. When things were good, people were lining up to advertise in whatever beige feature or advertorial they were offered, a lot of the magazines available now were born into this kind of atmosphere. When the shit hits the fan, they'll have no idea how to turn it around. People are going to lose their jobs because their publishers won't take a chance.
No matter what market a magazine appeals to, you can always shake it up, even while keeping one hand on your established brand. It's imagination I'm after, not just a saucy photoshoot or an x-rated conversation for the sake of a little shock factor.
The biggest problem with Irish magazines is the fact the majority of them have miniscule editorial teams. When you're tearing your hair out trying to do umpteen jobs across different specialisms, it does not foster creativity. And the second problem is our tiny population, which makes any niche industry an uphill struggle.
Believe me Kirstie... I hear you.
Yes I do wish that they'd stop creating magazines for normal people when clearly we're all anything but.
you can shake it up but with a limited market it just wont last. look at Mongrel and The State now. I'm glad there's Totally Dublin but there isn't a fashion magazine to equal those. Publications close down when they can't compete.
Right on, sista! I love this pic of Diane V. I think it shall become my new wallpaper image. So long Iggy Pop, for now...
And, thanks again for this post. So very inspiring. I hope to God I look that hott when I'm 62!
DvF:
*Would*
;)
xxx
'berta
p.s. word verification: waderel. Didn't he used to do the darts?
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