Harper’s Bazar Issue: November 1997 Analysis

Key Information
Publishing Company Hearst Corporation
Name Harper’s Bazar
Date November 1997
Issue Type Monthly
Editor Glenda Bailey

How Are Women Represented?

By analyzing the front cover of Harper’s Bazar’s issue released in November of 1997 it’s evident
that the mise en scene attracts both the male and female gaze. Through aspects such as costume,
the revealing nature of the clothing appeals to the male audience. Obvious restrictions would be
set as the model is Princess Diana thus, showing too much skin could ruin her image. However,
her strong positioning and direct mode of address signifies the image of a strong women
appealing to the female audience (targeting the female gaze) as they want to be like the model. In
the October 1986 Vogue issue, the model was evidently covered up more (although the
connotation behind the cover was more sexualized).
In this advertisement the fragrance is the product
being marketed to the audience. However, by
analyzing the positioning the perfume is in the
bottom right corner, the name and slogan beside
it. The models features appeal to the male gaze
as a direct mode of address attracts them, the
lipstick makes her lips stand out thus sexualizing
her to the audience. She seems to be set on a bed
or another comfortable surface, the camera angle
and shot type make the audience’s point of view
resemble as if they’re lying down with the
model. This page is also promoting the statement that ‘if you purchase this fragrance you’ll be
like the model’ (targeting the female gaze).
This type of magazine advertisement is one which became more
popular as the time progressed. The close up shot reveals an intimate
moment between the two people sexualizing them for the audience
appealing not both the male and female gaze. The product is positioned
across one third of the page covering up the models, the mise en scene
in the scene connotes lust, the indirect mode of address both the
models have, makes the audience feel as if they aren’t noticed by the
models. The product is being promoted by telling the viewer that ‘if
you buy this product you will attract men’ which makes women want
to perfume. Likewise it promotes the product to the male audience as
they’d want their significant other to be like the women featured.
(Circulation) The 1997 issue had a circulation of around 250,000 copies.

The article page features the model (Natalie Portman) and talks about her upcoming rise in fame
as she takes on acting roles as Anne Frank and Padme in the Star Wars franchise. In 1997,
through the use of cinematography and mise en scene she is depicted as an innocent young
women. This is also represented through the light pink and white colour scheme which are
known to connote purity. The photograph on the right page is one which shows the models
features, her cheekbones pop, her lips and long hair are all attractive features which appeal to
both the female and male gazes. (As the females want to be like her and the males are attracted to
her). The image in the top left of the article page shows a more real side of the actress making
the audience feel more connected through the pictures.