Welcome to Urban Vogue!

 

My A-Level Media Studies coursework project is a fashion magazine titled Urban Vogue, created across both my A1 and A2 years. From the very beginning, I wanted to make something that didn’t just imitate mainstream fashion media but instead challenged the values behind it. The central idea of Urban Vogue is sustainable and recycled fashion showing that style can be ethical, modern and accessible for young audiences. I have always been interested in how media influences the way people see fashion and identity, especially within my generation. Gen Z audiences are becoming more aware of environmental issues, and this awareness is now shaping our fashion choices. My aim was to represent that cultural shift through design, layout and written articles that encourage creativity without excess consumption.

When I first started planning, I noticed that most glossy magazines such as Vogue and Elle promote luxury and high-end consumerism. Their visual language often implies that beauty comes from buying new things. I wanted Urban Vogue to reverse that message. Instead of endless shopping, it celebrates re-use, creativity and individuality. Each article and spread connects back to the idea that fashion can be beautiful when it is personal, responsible and real.

The project also allowed me to explore representation and identity. I wanted my magazine to reflect diversity — not only in ethnicity or gender but in lifestyle and mindset. Sustainability is a shared value that crosses backgrounds, so I tried to show people of different styles, body types and moods. The visual tone is calm and modern rather than loud or over-edited. Colours such as beige, cream, and muted orange communicate warmth and eco-friendliness.

My decision to create a magazine came from both interest and practicality. I already loved designing layouts, and using Canva, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom gave me creative control over every element. These tools let me experiment with minimal design, professional composition and colour correction while keeping a consistent visual brand. The overall aesthetic of Urban Vogue is minimalistic yet aspirational — clean fonts, lots of white space, and subtle photography that emphasises texture and fabric.

Finally, I wanted Urban Vogue to be more than just a design exercise. It is my way of showing that media can drive positive change. In a world dominated by fast fashion and disposable content, I used my magazine to communicate a slower, more meaningful approach to style. The combination of professional design and thoughtful writing allowed me to explore both the creative and critical sides of media production.