Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue says: “As Editor of Vogue, I am frequently asked about the influence and messages the images in the magazine send to our readers about body image. Our mission in Vogue's fashion pictures is to inspire and entertain while showing the clothes created by many highly talented designers. They are created with this intention in mind, not to represent reality. The problem, if there is a problem, comes when people judge themselves and their appearance against the models they see on the pages of a magazine and then feel that in some way they fall short.”
The lesson includes a short film, ‘It’s A Look’, narrated by model Jade Parfitt and introduced by Vogue Editor Alexandra Shulman. Featuring interviews with Fashion Director Lucinda Chambers, Fashion Bookings Editor Rosie Vogel and Creative Director Jaime Perlman, as well as fashion photographer Josh Olins, make-up artist Sally Branka and model of the moment Drake Burnette, these industry insiders explain the complexities of the construct that is a fashion image. The film also features behind-the-scenes footage of a photoshoot that appeared in the July 2013 issue of the magazine.
“Last year, Vogue launched a Health Initiative and as part of this ongoing programme I decided it might be helpful to show what goes into the creation of a Vogue fashion picture, as a way of illustrating the skill and artifice that makes the final product. We have made a small film for schoolchildren, which shows the colossal amount of work and the many people involved in a fashion shoot, in the hope that this might be interesting and help pupils gain a better understanding,” adds Shulman.
‘It’s a Look’ has been supplied to schools as their new academic year begins, together with a lesson plan and teachers’ notes, in the hope they will find this helpful for their pupils. The magazine has been advised the lesson will sit well in PSHE lessons, including content to address aspects of the PHSE: Personal Wellbeing curriculum, with key stage 3, year 9 students in mind, although Vogue has received interest from teachers of other age groups too.
Masterminded by Vogue’s Editor Alexandra Shulman, this project forms part of the magazine’s ongoing Health Initiative programme. Announced in May 2012, Vogue’s Health Initiative is a pact between all international Editors of Vogue to encourage a healthier approach to body image within the industry.
