Tell Anna Wintour How To Improve / Revamp US Vogue

[iconemod]

Originally Posted by Fabulyss

^Besides the over abundance of actresses on the covers, I think there is a real lack of creativity. For instance, the editorials are usually quite dull and boring (with blank backgrounds, the same models in the same poses wearing outfits the EXACT same way we already saw them on the runway). It simply isn't innovative. In French and Italian Vogue, the photography is always bursting with creativity, fresh ideas, and fervent energy...American Vogue seems to lack this passionate quality.

Did someone mentione OVERRATED?????
(taken from an interview with La Wintour)

WSJ: You have a magazine that you have to edit. But what do you think your role is beyond that in terms of the industry?

MS. WINTOUR: I think Vogue is a lightning rod for the industry. Not only do we report on fashion, and show fashion, and help women to shop, but we are provocative, we are journalistic. We always try and have some surprise in an issue just so that people will say 'Oh my God, did you see that in Vogue?' You need that fantasy and insanity that makes this world as special as it is.

[MTRLBY]

im begging to god that pendulum will swing the other way.
they need to get those boring actresses off the covers NOW.
anna and the other heads of fashion need to start pumping out supermodels.
and im sick of these waify alien-esque models like gemma.
we need SEX

[purplelucrezia]

Originally Posted by Fabulyss

^Very true. There is a definate lack in sexuality.

I hadn't even realized they were allowed show breasts until I actually found myself the foreign Vogue section.
Agreed to all of the other comments too, I must admit, this is an excellent idea for a topic. We always seem to complain about its dreadful quality here, but never actually do anything about it.

So far:
- actual models on the cover
- better quality paper
- I'd rather pay more money for a half-decent magazine
- this is supposed to last me a month... make it worthwhile!
- no more identical poses, editorials inside for the celebs (tattered couch, what a friendly, down-to-earth person they are, upcoming promotions, etc. etc.)
- proper, creative editorials
- as was said, enough with the ladylike, chic look
(I love it as much as the next person- but for how many seasons?)
- enough with Daria, Liya, Gemma
- don't be the last to find the new models... funny how US Vogue only started using Gemma when she'd finally been over the major runways.
>How about actually beating the trend for a change?
- Liya Kebede is not the only black model out there!
- no more constant articles on plastic surgery, botox and liposuction
(We get it, Anna, but the rest of us aren't all too interested in that...)
- And oh, yes, put Sasha on the cover

Fin. We need to be listened to, so I can actually buy that magazine again.

[Spike413]

I can't say I have much to add to this list because many people have made great points.

I'd say my top priorities are:

-Editorial content, more art, less catalogue.
-Covergirl
-Print on the cover, it could be much more stylish AND not take away from the picture itself
-More risque content, showing a breast is hardly wrong, it's beautiful and par for the course with fashion and art thesedays.
-Infuse a certain exclusivity back into it, as many said, the paper quality would be a great way to do this.
-And as purple mentioned, enough with the ladylike already, I don't think I've evver seen a magazine concentrate so much on one trend.

[iluvjeisa]

Photographers: Well, there are some fine photographers at work at US Vogue for sure - Meisel and McDean for instance. And it is nice that they once in a while bring Elgort and Demarchelier back into the game. Plus they have Leibowitz and Testino for some great covers (despite not using models, which would be prefereable if they did). But they need someone a little less predictable, a little newer, I would suggest Nataniel Goldberg. He has shot some of the most amazing editorials I've seen. I'd like to see some editorials by him in US Vogue - I think it could be a great combination.

Models: I think they are on the right path when they use Hana, Lisa Cant, Gemma and Lily Donaldson. I hope that they will use models who can add that element of fantasy and insanity Anna Wintour was talking about. Girls like Daria, Natalia, Eugenia and Liya are all very beautiful girls but they are too preppy and too polished, they just don't add that element of fantasy so they cannot be used exclusively. Quirkier, yet undoubtedly beautiful girls are needed for that.

In general: A little less classy and predictable, a little more elegant and wild.

[Ella]

Originally Posted by purplelucrezia

I hadn't even realized they were allowed show breasts until I actually found myself the foreign Vogue section.
Agreed to all of the other comments too, I must admit, this is an excellent idea for a topic. We always seem to complain about its dreadful quality here, but never actually do anything about it.

So far:
- actual models on the cover
- better quality paper
- I'd rather pay more money for a half-decent magazine
- this is supposed to last me a month... make it worthwhile!
- no more identical poses, editorials inside for the celebs (tattered couch, what a friendly, down-to-earth person they are, upcoming promotions, etc. etc.)
- proper, creative editorials
- as was said, enough with the ladylike, chic look
(I love it as much as the next person- but for how many seasons?)
- enough with Daria, Liya, Gemma
- don't be the last to find the new models... funny how US Vogue only started using Gemma when she'd finally been over the major runways.
>How about actually beating the trend for a change?
- Liya Kebede is not the only black model out there!
- no more constant articles on plastic surgery, botox and liposuction
(We get it, Anna, but the rest of us aren't all too interested in that...)
- And oh, yes, put Sasha on the cover

Fin. We need to be listened to, so I can actually buy that magazine again.

I agree! I don't understand why there are always articles about plastic surgery, many of them every year.
I also want models on the cover, I don't mind actresses/singers if it's not in every issue. US Vogue covers from the past year:
-April 2004: Gwen Stefani
-May 2004: Nicole Kidman
-June 2004: Kate Hudson
-July 2004: Kirsten Dunst
-August 2004: The Presleys
-September 2004: Daria, Natalia, Gisele, Isabeli, Karolina, Liya, Hana, Gemma and Karen (the only model cover they had for a long time, and these ones come like once a decade)
-October 2004: Charlize Theron
-November 2004: Jennifer Connelly
-December 2004: Cate Blanchett
-January 2005: Jennifer Lopez
-February 2005: Melania Knauss
-March 2005: Sandra Bullock
And now Drew Barrymore...
I also agree about the font and the bad quality of the paper, and that it is almost never as thick as the other Vogues. And I don't like the fact that they always use the same models for their editorials.

[Zimdor]

Despite the current direction of US Vogue, I think no matter what we say or suggest, its highly unlikely to change. Even if someone more radical/progressive than AW is there as editor-in-chief, they are going to be bound by the market (implying the advertisers) they have to appeal to.

I do believe Anna is fully aware of what direction she is positioning the mag and the criticism the mag gets in come circles (like this forum) because of it. Actresses on the cover continually, often uninspired editorials (despite the top-caliber photogs), using the same models over and over, a lack of sexuality compared with European Vogues, etc. etc.. All of that is driven not only by Anna's personal desires, but consideration of the US market.

The US is a substantially more "puritan" market than Europe (or Canada) is by a very long shot. Also a considerably more conservative market in general. One boob (hey, "boob" is fun to say) slightly hanging out and you have a monumental outcry from some circles. Advertisers want to appeal to the broadest possible audience. Offending the Boob Brigade is not a way to do that.

By shaping US Vogue to appeal to the broadest possible US audience (and US culture is far more interested in celebrity than real fashion, compared with Europe or Canada), more advertisers are attracted to sign up with them. Meaning more revenue for the magazine, which is the essential point of any for-profit enterprise.

I thus don't think US Vogue is going to change much, not matter who is in charge. Until there is a massive cultural shift in the US to become more accepting of cultural risk, which I don't see happening any time soon, unfortunately.

[gaygaygay]

What about a 46 page spread of her eating her wig

[Diorling]

^ I was about to say that. A nipple would cause the conservatives to go up in arms with "think about the children!" Georgie boy would have to make a speach about the loss of morals.

I doubt anything will happen, Vogue would have to lose alot of readership. It's still considered to be the fashion bible in the US, although the most stylish people I know don't read it. I think Vogue should make a nice meeting between People and VogueUK, celebs and fashion together.

[softgrey]

seceral mainstream magazines...think Redbook...
have been taken off the stands at walmart because of coverlines about sex or orgasms...

most people may not realize just how conservative middle america really is...
their logic is that if there magazine are readily available where people shop with their children...then they need to be child-appropriate...whatever they think that is...

...

[arlekindearrabal]

think models... you're trying to be too mainstream, you're not elle, darling... how about people who are actually doing interesting things, not just boring celebrities, on the pages of your mag?? keep the production values, and wonderful photographers (sp. steven klein ... also, in thinking models, how about actual ethnic variety?? not just liya every month, as wonderful as she is

[softgrey]

c'est tout...

[Hanne]

Lets keep it civil

[lady grey]

maybe we should think more pragmatically & send SI newhouse [owner of conde nast, advance publishing, vogue & 100 other mags, & NYC's richest man] a new outfit to replace his lime sweatshirt, khakis & old tennis trainers as described below.

how about we send him a chocolate brown lacoste 2 button polo & a lacoste cream tennis cardigan as a gift along with our suggestions? Im serious I write to anna, SI & grace all the time, they DO listen to suggestions- {occasionally!} -

[vogue-

4 times sq-

ny ny 10001]

now to gawker.com and this disturbing SI anecdote from wednesday:



From deep within the platinum-glazed walls of the Condé Nast cafeteria, a reader sends word of a possible health crisis:

""I work at Condé Nast and, as a straight guy, there are a lot of things about 4 Times Square that I find strange and amusing. Well, yesterday I saw the strangest. While in line at the grill station, I spotted S.I. Newhouse ambling around the caf wearing his standard lime green sweatshirt and khaki outfit. All of a sudden he makes a beeline to the salad bar and — with his bare hands — reaches down and grabs a fistful of edamame, shunning the tongs and spoon entirely (such things are just decorative for Masters of the Universe). I was a little too stunned to notice if he then just stuffed his catch into his pocket or if he sought out a plate, but it made an impression on me nonetheless. I guess if you own the building and everyone in it, these types of things are your prerogative.

Gross? Maybe, but the Governor of Glossy hasn’t the time for your silly, plebeian utensils.""


from gawker.com march 31, 2005:

[SI is the owner of vogue, vanity fair, allure, and NYC's RICHEST man.
and he deserves a new polo & jumper!! I HATE lime green!! ]

[Misako]

Zimdor - that's absolutely correct, unfortunately... (yay for those that've studied Business, Economics, and Politics. :P)