Thursday 25 October 2007

Media Analysis 5: Music and Lifestyle Journalism

Well to begin with i really couldn't quite get to grips with this lecture as i was quite sure i signed up to a fashion journalism course not music journalism. Anyway i have found these lectures somewhat different to how i would imagine, so the idea is growing on me and nothing seems to be a surprise anymore. Well saying that i wander what next weeks lecture will bring because i really have no idea.
I have learned from this lecture that to be a good journalist, it is an advantage to have a grounding and knowledge of all different types and genres of magazines in the industry, not just fashion. This lecture was extremely informative, providing me with information and background of all of the music and lifestyle magazines, including; NME and The Rolling Stones magazine. Throughout our time learning about these magazines and listening to the lecture, i warmed to the content and have developed curiosity and interest in other aspects of magazine journalists. So well done to the tutors, this was a very influential lecture.

Media Analysis 4: DRAMA!!

Drama!! Not a subject i can say i have ever warmed to. Although gaining a c in my drama GCSE (praise can wait until later thankyou) i was certainley not expecting to flaunt my not so fantastic acting skills on a Fashion Journalism course, but then who said a bit of versatility would harm anybody.
"Italian Vogue is what you will be portraying" one of my fellow budding actors announced to me as i looked at her in slight amusement thinking do you honestly think i am going to stand up and act in front of a lecture theatre full of competitive female fashion students. I had to think twice about it and i came to the conclusion that it wasnt as if i was the only one doing it, other magazines such as Harpers Bazaar and 10 magazine were also being turned into small comedy sketches in an attempt to portray the general reader of the publication. Well i managed to persuade to myself that i wasnt loosing anything by doing it and it could be a bit of fun.
Once the performances were concluded i wouldnt exactly say any of us deserved an oscar yet i will say well done to everyone that participated in this very different yet extremely entertaining lecture and to those who didnt shame on you!

Sunday 14 October 2007

Media Analysis Lecture 3: Newspapers

I will now put my hands up in all hoesty and say that i have never been one to read newspapers. I want to be a journalist yet i dont read newspapers, how terrible does that sound. Well ive decided everything has to start somewhere and now is the time for me to start learning about the politics and reality of the wanderful world we live in. From far left to far right there are many different opinions and preferences throughout newspapers all of which i am slowly aquiring.
The group i am in was appointed The Guardian to research and read about.I discovered that not only does it have a sports section for the men, it also has a media section for all those media buffs out there which i found extremely satisfying as when i was reading it i was glad to have articles carrying some familiarity to me.
The many other newspapers analysed including The Times and The Mirror i found extremely influential and i am eager to learn and read more about them to improve my knowledge of the news as i think i can safely say right now i dont know huge amount.

Media Analysis Lecture 2: Social Demographic Analysis

Unfortunately i was unable to attend this lecture as i happened to be tucked up in bed with the flu. On the plus side one of my house mates conveniently happens to be on the fashion journalism course with me and was kind enough to let me copy and research the notes taken during the lecture.
The first thing i read was 'Why is it important to read a publication?' what a question i thought to myself. Well one would think that is an easy answer to approach but in actual fact with some research in theorys i found it a little harder to understand than expected. I had to read all the notes over and over before i could totaly grasp the topic of the lecture. From looking at the Individualists who indulge in publications such as I-D and Pop to Nylon and Dazed and Confused to the Elitests who loose their thoughts in Harpers Bazaar and Tatler. This is Post-Modernism-The mass acceleration of all consumer culture, art, fashion and lifestyle, each of these play a role in the social demographic analysis.
I would not easily be able to say i fit under one specific category as i feel that i dont just stick to once specific publication i would say i have a fairly versatile taste in literature.
Never until now have i heard of the Trickle up Trickle down theory but without realising it i always knew it was there as many people probably do if they follow fashion from the high street to the catwalk.

Tuesday 9 October 2007

FJN 1: This week it will be the Trilby!!

Hats off (pun intented) to the Trilby hat which appears to be this seasons absolute must have. Worn by the likes of Micheal Jackson, Britney Spears and the utterly fabulous Justin Timberlake the Trilby hat has perched itself neatly at the top of the hat rack for winter '07. It is an item of clothing to finish off a masculine outfit or a simple, understated fashion look. I think it is a fantastic item of clothing, it is so sophisticated and smart yet everso mysterious with a touch of Va Va Voom.
The Trilbies mother is the Fedora hat, a hat once worn by prohibition-era gangsters, including the likes of Al Capone and Bugsy Siegal who have made the hat recognisable in association with 'Fat Toni' and his boys. The Trilby appears to have a less distinctive, menacing look to it, fortunately for us we dont have to worry about gangsters with their patent shoes and perfectly polished suits as with a little bit of luck they are a thing of the past. The so called Gangsters of today prance around with their jeans around their ankles about five sizes too big for them also boasting plenty of 'Bling' over their large patterned hoodies, definately not my choice of outfits.
The hat in question is a soft felt hat most commonly made of rabbit fur felt. It comes complete with a dented crown and a flexible brim with the possibility of a small feather trimming. For those such as myself, who are not so into wearing real animal fur the hat comes made from many different materials including fake fur felt. The popularity of the hat rose between the 1930's-40's when Shiaparelli used it to compliment clothes designs.
From carrying out my research i came to find that the name came from the heroine of G.Du Mauriers novel Tribly 1984 in which it was worn by the heroine of the stage version of the book.
Stars of today like Run DMC have transformed the Trilby hat into an 'Urban Cool' item of headwear and i think i can safely say it is the epitome of chic.

Ashlee Simpson sports this classic gangster topper with style, check her out!

HATS; every girl must have one (At least!)


Hats! Hats! Hats! Hats are like bags; they come in all different shapes, sizes, colours and styles. Hats have been a large part of fashion for decades, once used as a necessity now a must have accessory, speaking from first hand experience, as i absolutely adore hats.
In my opinion the X-factor of headwear is the simple yet elegant Beret. This timeless classic is extremely versatile and can be worn throughout seasons with the correct ensemble. This perfect little hat transfoms one into "A pretty french girl" as quoted from a very well fashion informed lady i once met.
From continuing my research into hats the french word "Beret" origionated from the latin word "birretum"which means cap and a floppy cap is exactly what a Beret is. I certainley do learn something new everyday.
The Beret has become a symbol of many things, for example; the military found the hat perfect for ceremonies or other non-physical military activities. In my opinion military men in berets look rather dashing.
From one extreme to the other the Beret has also become a large part of high school uniforms for girls and is worn as a fashionable piece of headgear. One could also say it is a hat worn by men who dare to be different.
I hope to further my research surrounding all of the glorius 2007 hat collections for this winter.