Costume ideas

Costume ideas

The costume that the model-artist or band in the case of music magazines- wears represents their personality, as well as the magazine’s personality. Costume reflects the genre of music too; it can be key iconography that helps identify the type of music. The audience may also have a similar personality, to what is being portrayed and may like what is being portrayed. In fashion magazines, what the model wears may be more for advertising purposes, and to persuade the audience that they need to look as glamorous as the model. Music magazines use costume to show the style of the music, that they celebrate. A classical music magazine may have the model in a long elegant dress, but a rock/metal music magazine may have their models wearing ripped clothing or a lot of leather, to represent their crazy, loud music and their rebellious personality.

For a pop music magazine, if the model was female I would have her smiling, looking bright and colourful and try to add some glitter or sequins to the costume- to reflect her style of music and fun personality. She will be wearing high heels to present herself as confident, statuesque and powerful. The shoes will probably be brightly coloured, and shiny. Flat shoes being worn will give the impression that the model is relaxed and calm.

Wearing long trousers would give her a more masculine look, which would make her seem independent and not appear to be the typical stereo type of ‘girly-girl’. If the trousers were, lose and did not cling to the models legs then it would appeal less to the tiny male audience, but main gain respect from the majority of the female audience- as some believe that men and women have un-equal rights in the office. Women would respect her as she would not be flaunting herself in-order to get people to buy the magazine but she is showing a more professional side of herself. On the other hand if she wore tight long trousers she would be appealing more to the small male audience, and also get a different sort of admiration, women would want to be slim and healthy as the model appears, it also shows that the model would be more confident and comfortable within herself and her body, and may want other women to follow her example and have a good self image of themselves. Tops that are generally worn on the covers of music magazines are either extremely simple, like a blue or white blouse, or wild and crazy torn up t-shirt. Female artists do often wear ‘tight’ clothes that flaunt their curves. This makes females want to be like them as they want to be desirable too.

If the model wore shorts it would again give the idea that she is comfortable in her body and want other people to feel confident within themselves. Depending on what type of shorts she wore, she could present herself as sporty or more sexy than usual as she is showing more skin. Usually when performing on stage, performers were more revealing costumes, possibly because they get hot from running around the stage or to appeal more to the audience. If worn with tights or leggings underneath, it is suggesting she is being conservative, but still composed.

A dress being worn would give the impression that the model is more of a stereo-typical girly-girl. Innocence is often associated with mid-length dresses, while floor-length dresses are associated with glamour and sophistication. Short dresses are seen as daring and possibly provocative, but actresses and singers are often seen in them, making them more acceptable. Female pop artists often wear dresses to appeal to the girly-girl stereo-type..You do not often see skirts on the front of any magazine cover, mainly dresses and shorts are seen being worn on music magazines that target men and women.

 A male model on a pop music magazine would be friendly and have a warm smile, inviting the target audience to buy and read the magazine. His costume will be casual and not too over the top, reflecting his personality of being relaxed. Pop music magazines usually have a male model that is famous, a singer or actor. He will usually have an innocent-‘boy next door look’ and appear to be sweet and charming. He would have had some styling to his hair but not too much, as he is relaxed and not too concerned about his appearance. An example of this is someone like Justin Bieber or Zac Efron. His costume can vary- at home he could be found wearing a simple t-shirt and shorts or generally casual clothing- which reminds us that he is human and normal like everyone else, which in turn makes him easier to relate to. A male model wearing shorts on a magazine cover is not a usual choice of costume, unless they are trying to make a statement. Shorts indicate that the artist is relaxed and may be sporty. A sports t-shirt, will show that the model is definitely sporty and again is not usually seen on the cover of a magazine. Men in suits appear often as well as men displaying their tattoos and a lot of skin, they seem to want to appear as more masculine, and ‘show off’ their muscles. Some go for the more classic, classy look by wearing suits and looking smart and others present themselves as scruffy and rebellious. Pop music magazines and music magazines that have a younger target audience tend to dress the model in a more everyday costume. Jewellery- usually necklaces- are often included in more RnB and rap music magazines, but are added to pop music magazine covers to give the artist a more tough appearance.

The type of jewellery that it worn on the front of a music magazine, can portray the type of music that the artist represents or the music that the magazine represents. For example a gold chain necklace, suggests that the artist is tough and is not afraid of anyone and their music will probably be rapping or more harsh music.’

For my music magazine cover I will probably have my model wearing something smart but casual, so that he comes across as relaxed but still making an effort. I will not have my model wearing any sports clothing or showing a lot of skin as that is more of a convention found in RnB and rock music magazines. The model will not wear a necklace to appear more tough but possibly bracelets to give off a more pop/indie feel, the bracelets will be or look like the bracelets you wear to get into a concert or festival. By wearing them it will show the audience that he also enjoys music and going to watch other people perform, making him more approachable. I will have a medium shot of him so will not be too concerned about what type of trousers he is wearing, as it will not be seen on the cover- but he will probably wear darker trousers or dark coloured jeans.

Sun glasses are used often in music magazines, but usually are used more to hide the emotions of the artist or make them seem more mysterious.