statement of intent

My cross-media production is a fashion magazine brand titled ÉTOILE, meaning “star” in French. The brand is positioned as a sophisticated, high-fashion publication that celebrates confidence, elegance and individuality. It targets a 16–25 demographic who are fashion-conscious, socially aware and aspirational. I have produced two magazine front covers, one featuring a female model and one featuring a male model and to go with the print products a contents page, alongside an accompanying online website, to meet the requirements of the brief and demonstrate digitally convergent media practice.

Product 1: Magazine Front Covers/contents page

In terms of media language, I have followed and subtly challenged the codes and conventions of high-end fashion magazines such as Vogue and Elle. Both covers use a clean layout, limited cover lines and a serif masthead to connote luxury and timelessness. The masthead ÉTOILE is placed prominently at the top of the page to establish a strong and recognisable brand identity. A soft, neutral colour palette is used across the covers and is contrasted with bold fashion styling, reinforcing the idea of understated glamour.

The models are positioned centrally and use a direct mode of address, which creates engagement with the audience and positions them as confident and self-assured figures. Consistency in typography, composition and photographic style across both the male and female covers strengthens visual cohesion and presents the magazine as professional and credible within the fashion industry.

Through media representations, ÉTOILE aims to promote inclusive and modern portrayals of gender. By featuring both a male and a female model on separate covers, the magazine challenges the traditional female-dominated fashion magazine market and reflects a more diverse contemporary fashion industry. Both models are styled to emphasise confidence rather than sexualisation, presenting empowerment as gender neutral. This reflects changing societal values and avoids reinforcing stereotypical representations of masculinity and femininity.

The front covers are designed to clearly communicate the key themes of the magazine, which are reinforced through the contents page. The main cover lines introduce ideas of confidence, elegance and modern fashion, which are then reflected in the range of articles listed in the contents, such as couture, menswear, beauty and sustainability. Consistent typography and layout between the cover and contents page strengthen ÉTOILE’s brand identity and create a sense of cohesion, reassuring the audience of the magazine’s professional and high-fashion positioning.

 

Product 2: Online Website

The online website extends the magazine brand and supports the print product by offering additional digital content. In terms of media language, the website will replicate the masthead, typography and colour palette used on the magazine covers in order to maintain a consistent brand identity across platforms. This ensures that audiences can instantly recognise ÉTOILE as the same product in both print and online formats.

The website aligns with the conventions of fashion magazine websites by presenting editorial-style content that expands on the themes introduced in the magazine covers. Exclusive online material, such as additional imagery and extended fashion features, encourages audiences to engage with the brand beyond the physical magazine.

In relation to media industries, the website reflects ÉTOILE’s recognition of the decline of print-only media and the importance of digital expansion. The online platform supports the sustainability of the magazine through increased reach, audience engagement and opportunities for online advertising.

Regarding media audiences, the target audience is assumed to value self-expression, aspirational fashion and digital accessibility. Uses and Gratifications theory can be applied, as audiences gain personal identity and inspiration through representation, alongside entertainment and social interaction via the online platform. The connection between the print covers and the website strengthens audience loyalty and reinforces ÉTOILE as a contemporary, convergent media brand.

 

How do you intend to link your media products to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the digitally convergent nature of your media production?

Digital convergence is demonstrated through strong brand synergy between the print magazine and the online platform. The masthead ÉTOILE, typography, colour palette and fashion imagery are consistent across both products to ensure instant brand recognition. The online product extends the magazine by offering exclusive content, such as additional photoshoots, behind-the-scenes features and fashion editorials linked to the cover stars. Social media integration and interactive elements encourage audience participation and direct traffic between platforms. This convergence reflects contemporary media consumption habits and strengthens audience loyalty by creating a unified, multi-platform fashion brand.