LFW February 2020 – Stylist Magazine talk – Comparison culture

In February of 2020 I was lucky enough to be able to visit London Fashion Week, with my final year of university looming I wanted to learn more about the fashion industry. I had never been to a London Fashion Week event before so I knew I would gain knowledge by attending. I managed to see the Temperly London SS20 fashion show and attend a talk by Stylist Magazine.

Although the fashion show was great to see I wasn’t particularly inspired by what I was seeing. After the show we were escorted into a room where we would meet Georgina Holt, Executive Director at Stylist at the time, and Billie Bhatia, Fashion News Editor at the Stylist Group. Their talk about comparison culture shocked me and has inspired me research into this field.

Before attending this talk I understood how comparison is such a huge part of our day to day lives. Personally it is something I have experienced and could relate to all aspects of this talk. The talk made me realise that I am not alone and that many others struggle with comparison especially when it comes to how women are presented in the media or on social media.

Whilst working in London on my placements I found a new love for Stylist magazine. I would look forward to picking up a copy every week and reading it on my commute home. Once completing my placement it is something that I have missed, although they do release digital copies I never found these as for filling. I appreciate how they have such a strong brand identity and target audience. They clearly identify their brand values as reality, inclusivity, positivity, educatory, accountability and advocacy. I think the reality of the magazine is what draws me in, I know that I will see real people and real stories that I can relate to and can be uplifted by.