san francisco | academy of art university |
May 2015 volume 2 | page 25
STYLE fashion journalism
Op-ed: What is Fashion Journalism? By Faye Harris
The changing face of fashion journalism
Fashion Journalism is not a dying occupation, but it is definitely changing. The way in which information is disseminated through this role is
Faye Harris. Photo by Bob Toy. By Namrata Loka Journalism is the umbrella term under which fashion journalism can be categorized. Communicating about relevant and current developments in the fashion industry constitutes fashion journalism. Researching, critiquing, analyzing, reviewing, interviewing and reporting about fashion are the primary responsibilities of a fashion journalist. Apart from a passion for the subject and love for writing, a fashion journalist would have to possess a basic understanding of fashion trends, art, forecasting and certain aspects of fashion
changing. A fashion journalist can still convey news through a plethora of media channels, including: magazines, newspapers, websites, blogs, television and books. However, many print publications are closing their doors in lieu of the digital world, therefore as the print media industry continues to decline, digital outlets are beginning to overshadow. This also means a rise in the number of fashion-related blogs and websites, some of which may seem to have little credibility. But only because the larger the number of media outlets, the less likely it is to be first-hand or exclusive news that you are getting. Rather, you are reading or seeing a relay of information from other publications. Curated content is also a form of fashion journalism in today’s age. The ability to select, organize and present information in such a
way that is original and fresh to an audience is a form of journalism. It is not limited to ‘news’ or first-hand accounts in the way that it used to be. Fashion journalism is “using words to entertain, inform and paint a vivid picture,” according to Louise Roe, reporter, presenter and recognized fashion columnist. But it may also be using pictures and images to express the same information. Fashion websites such as The Zoe Report, and The Sartorialist have become popular through curating fashion looks in such a way that reflects their own style; the fashion journalists working for The Zoe Report, for example, have chosen images of such outfits mindfully, a collection of images to tell a story or convey a trend. They were not the first people to tell the world about such outfits. They are trend-spotters, stylists, merchandisers—fashion
journalists. Fashion journalists are creative. Every fashion journalist has their own journalistic style, as does the publication in which they write or photograph or research and collect content for. Throughout their careers, fashion journalists can choose to focus on one specific title, or they can work for a variety of media types under numerous roles, sometimes and quite often at the same time. This can be researching, reporting, interviewing, hosting, critiquing, curating, merchandising, photographing, publishing, editing, styling and/or all of these things related to fashion and beauty. Gone are the days where one journalist will exclusively gather information and write a story and then pass it on to someone else to pull images then someone else to edit and someone else to publish it. In larger publi-
design along with the skills to network with professionals in the industry. I believe that to be a decent fashion writer, one should have an eye for what makes an interesting story, a sense of morals and ethics, knowledge of which medium and outlet suits the story best and the ability to organize ideas in a concise manner. Because fashion is considered a frothy subject, a good fashion writer will think visually while writing and support his or her views with relevant media (pictures, videos, GIFs) if required. The world of fashion involves big names, celebrities and sometimes, big egos. This
requires an additional skill: to be able to justify convictions and opinions. Substance is key; anyone can be fluffy about fashion. Participatory journalism and technological developments have radically changed journalism in today’s digital age. A plethora of multimedia elements exist to allow information to be disseminated through social media and other outlets. The ability to create stories that become viral lies with any person with access to the Internet. Smartphones, apps and social media are fabulous in many ways and have brought about exhilarating changes to the manner in which we consume
information. Perhaps the biggest change to the definition of fashion journalism is brought about by the birth of bloggers. In my opinion, they are a new generation of fashion journalists. Many bloggers are fashion aficionados that succinctly articulate about fashion and are ethical when it comes to disclosing their relationships with brands. This is what makes them fashion journalists—they are informed and know how, when and what to communicate.
By Coco Shi Fashion is something we see, hear and experience everyday. However, this concept is confusing for lots of people. Fashion itself is a word that cannot be simply explained and understood. It is a spirit, an extension of oneself; about translating self-esteem, life attitude and individual aesthetic into a unique personal style. That is to say, a thousand people have a thousand definitions of fashion. What is fashion journalism?
Coco Shi. Photo by Bob Toy.
The initial impression of fashion journalist, for me, was from the movie “The Devil Wears Prada.” In my opinion, fashion journalism helps people know fashion trends, understand the industry and make them spend money on fashion creations and products.
Namrata Loka is a fashion journalism student.
Obviously, fashion journalism is the journalism for fashion. It is one kind of journalism, but in a highly specialized form. It is a big concept, which describes all aspects of published fashion media. Fashion journalism requires a genuine passion, abundant understanding and keen perception of the fashion industry, as well as communication tools through words, visuals and a broad range of related subjects. The work of a fashion journalist can be quite varied. First of all, the most common occupations will be writer and editor. Fashion writers create articles for magazines, fashion-books, websites, television, radio and newspapers. An editor will help to generalize and produce fashion-related information for public distribution. As
cations this still happens, but fashion journalists now may do this and then also write opinion-editorials or critique for one publication, curate content for trends for another platform, as well as doing all of these things for their own social media site. The natural progression to the digital world for the fashion journalist actually opens up even more doors and more opportunities for their work to be seen and to be published. There is an ability now to wear many hats and be as creative as possible in their journalistic expression. It is very much a thriving occupation actually and a very diverse one at that!
Faye Harris is an M.A. fashion journalism student.
Namrata Loka. Photo by Bob Toy.
for the second type, an example is fashion public relations specialist, who writes press releases to help clothing companies, cosmetic industries and retail stores build strong public images, so as to encourage sales and consumer interest. The third kind belongs to fashion marketing, which is responsible for promoting clothing, beauty products and accessories. It can also add a commercial element in fashion journalism to increase public awareness. All in all, fashion journalism pays attention to fashion trends, fashion commodities and marketing strategies, written to appeal to imageconscious customers.
Coco Shi is an M.A. fashion journalism student.