Analylisis: Portrayal of Women in Men’s Magazines Source: GQ Magazine

Image: Prada Ad (October Issue 2010)

Thesis  The ad portrays women as accessories  What the male audience notices:  The dominance of the male  The gorgeous women clinging to his arm; makes him look good  Sophistication and power  What the aimed audience strives to be

Analysis of the Text:  Setting- infer that it may be a bar scene or club  You can’t really tell; plain background puts emphasis on people  Camera Effects: black and white (classic feel; sophistication, timelessness), dim light contrast with highlighted skin  Nicely Dressed; Clothing: slightly conservative with hip edge- what is being advertised

Analysis of Scene  4 couples- all appear Caucasian  One mysterious black women in the background, revealing attire, fur- makes it seem like a club  The women are all stunningly attractive, skinny, and nicely dressed- however they all look the same; same “hip” hairstyle  More differentiation among the males characteristics

Analysis of the Scene (cont.)  The Women (especially the one on the right) are clinging to the men; shows male dominance; “women need men”  The men (the two in the foreground) seem indifferent to the female attention: their gaze is elsewhere  Stance of the man on the right: forward facing- power and confidence  The essence of sophistication