Representation of "Fashion" in magazines

Fashion magazines are another way of understanding how the fashion industry brands itself, the audience it attracts and the resulting brands they feature.

032c is unique in its typographic treatment throughout the magazine, which can be described as 'pretty ugly'. The manipulation of type, irregular article formats and type combinations give the magazine an attitude that is a "celebration of and for the most cutting-edge in art, culture, and fashion." This unconventional approach to editorial design can be likened to the approach by Demna Gvasalia at Balenciaga, pushing forward the fashion narrative.

Sans serif mast heads on fashion magazines produce a similar effect to that used in fashion brands. The clean lines of the sans serif create a modern, contemporary look for the magazine, effectively communicating its purpose of delivering content that is at the forefront of art and culture. It better aligns itself to a younger audience and the audience who buy into the clothes they feature. 

Fashion photography also plays a role, in combination with the masthead, in producing the magazine's identity. Shown above, DUST magazine communicates a pared back, crisp look through the all caps sans serif masthead and clean photography. Whilst on 032c, the manipulation of the cover photo reflects the aim of the magazine. 

Magazines like Vogue opt for a more traditional and associated image of the fashion industry. Modern serifs like Bodoni and Didot create an elegant, sophisticated and high brow identity for these magazines. This is due to the letterforms thin stems and classical lines which make the typeface look delicate and precise. 

This choice in typography allows itself to appeal to a wider range of audiences. It can attract those who are attracted to the look of high fashion and to those who have a typical association of what fashion is.