Language

• Vogue is a mainstream magazine so it uses typical codes and conventions of print to construct the front cover. Over a long period, Vogue has also acquired its own unique house style so that its brand identity is instantly recognisable
• The same classic Didot font has been used for the Vogue masthead since the 1950s. The all-uppercase serif font gives it a classical, architectural look, an aesthetic that commands respect. Tall, slim, and sculpted, the letters proclaim their statuesque style. The word vogue means something that is trendy or popular
• The VOGUE masthead is always capitalised and centrally placed, like a banner across the top of the magazine
• In this edition, the masthead is laid over the forehead of the cover model, Malala Yousafzai
• Malala may be an unlikely cover model for a fashion magazine but this effect immediately anchors her as a Vogue star, in combination with her caption 'Survivor, Activist, Legend'. The use of the same silver-grey colours for the caption and the masthead links and reinforces Malala is a Vogue role model
• On the cover, you see the limited colour palette of red, silver-grey, black and white, which suggests the confidence of a sophisticated design that is associated with a high-end magazine.
• The use of the dominant colour red in this context suggests celebration, joy, luxury, power, and strength, a call to action to identify with Malala, the survivor/activist/legend
• The understated silver-grey and gentle glint of gold from her jewellery give a sense of elegance and glamour
• The main cover line, the caption of Malala's own name, is the brightest text on the page. The white clearly contrasts with the red background celebrating her name and status.
• Malala's name and importance are highlighted and framed by the italicised text, "The extraordinary life of" in white and "Survivor, activist, legend" in silver. This offers a measured sense of symmetry with the masthead at the top
• The composition of the front cover follows the principles of traditional design applying the rule of thirds and the text follows the Z rule. Malala's eyes are slightly high for the rule of thirds but her graceful hand gesture leads the viewer back to her eyes, she is the centre of attention
• Malala is shown in a medium close-up shot that draws attention to both her facial expression as well as her body language and attire
• Malala's headscarf indicates her culture and religion and is an essential part of her identity
• Malala engages the reader with direct eye contact and a slight smile - a mode of address that is personal and welcoming but confident and self-assured. She is at a low angle with us; we are invited to get closer to her, identify with her, but also admire her and look up to her as a role model.
• On the cover, you can see how the captions used to anchor the cover model elevate her status and importance. "Survivor" suggests she has overcome being a victim and is now an "activist" taking a political stance to drive her own "extraordinary" narrative forward. At just 23 she has achieved the accolade of a "legend"
• The coverlines on the left-hand side all follow the same chic, minimalist design of a black uppercase headline with italicised subheading in white to draw the reader into familiar reocurring topics of women's lifestyle magazines; fashion, romance, celebrities
• The coverlines on the right-hand side, 'Vogue's Guide to Summer Beauty', affirms Vogue's authority as the fashion bible. It sits on the red background, just above Malala's shoulder, balancing the layout with the design of the left-hand side coverlines
• The coverline 'FIGHTING TALK' broadens the reader's appeal from fashion fans of the model Jordan Dunn to sporting fans of the boxer Anthony Joshua. This is an unlikely feature of the magazine but shows how Vogue is widening the scope if its more traditional readers, whilst possibly appealing to new readers who wouldn't expect a heavyweight boxing champion in the pages of Vogue. It demonstrates how Enniful tis taking his readers by surprise and leading the way
• High production values are part of Vogue's branding and using Night as a star photographer emphasises this