Marie Claire built its name by being unlike all the other fashion magazines. The magazine’s theme is “More than a Pretty Face.” This slogan implies that it won’t ignore beauty – but it does, indeed, provide more. Paying attention to plus-sized girls and other out-of-the-mainstream interests are available in MC’s November issue. This provides edgier material for real women, and a broader appeal than typical women’s and fashion mags.
Vibrant autumn shades of red and orange splash the cover with numbers and headlines that give a peek into what the latest fashions offer. However, unlike other style magazines, this issue also features articles on weight and relationship abuse. Women who beat their husbands may not be an everyday article topic that readers often find in fashion magazines, but they will in November’s MC.
The cover story does fulfill the readers’ expectations when it comes to glitz and glamour. Kate Walsh’s bronzed hair and clothing are centered on the cover and present the reader with the chic fall look of what to expect from her interview with Johanna Schneller.
Lacoste and Chanel ads will always be found in Marie Claire, but overweight models and Duran Duran on a page with cover-like art give the readers something different: an offbeat, yet tasteful contrast to Walsh’s center story.
The “Fashion Road Test” also provides readers with an atypical fashion magazine topic. The article floods two pages with photos and a blurb titled “Can Hollywood’s top stylist dress a real woman?” Rachel Zoe is the master behind dressing the super-skinny Mischa Bartons and Keira Knightleys of the world. However, Zoe stepped out of the traditional, unhealthy model-esque look and wrote a book titled “Style A to Zoe.” The example from her work is about how plus- size women can look just as hot as the size twos. Everyday women can read and relate to affordable clothing that fits more than their left leg.
Toward the back of the book, pages donned with ‘marie claire’ at the top serve the magazine’s alternative approach. Duran Duran and black-and-white fashionable apparel are the feature stories given several pages in the magazine. Many young readers may know or care little about bands that started in the disco era. They also may not care about what outfit color combos will turn heads in the office. Marie Claire covers unique topics for a wide range of readers.
This time of year may mean holiday shopping tips and the newest line of women’s designer winter boots for many fashion magazines. Marie Claire’s November issue provides readers with these ordinary things. It also effectively stands by its slogan through its extraordinary features on comeback bands, and tips for everyday women who might struggle with their weight. Mainstream ideas may not include disco, but fashion plus Duran Duran fulfills MC’s alternative goals.
By: Heidi Maines
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