Generic Research- Intertextuality

On the 15th August 2018, I visited the Frida Kahlo exhibition that was showing at the Victorian Albert Museum. It allowed me to research more into my proposed topic, and I learnt alot about Frida Kahlo and her life. It inpsired me with my mise-en-scene choices, for example at the end of the exhibition they had a stand with inspired Frida Kahlo jewellery. I decided to purchase a necklace that might be useful for when I do my shoot. I also learnt about Frida Kahlo's particlar love for red lipstick- and decided I want to feature this in my photoshoot also. 

I also researched different ways to achieve the braided hairstyle that Frida used to wear often- there were many tutorials on Youtube which helped. I practised the hairstyle on myself as well as on my cosuin in order to try and achieve the perfect look. 

I also purchased a book about Kahlo and her life- this helped me refere back to information in the exhibition as we were not allowed to take photos when we were there. 



During the exhibition I also had the chance to look at self portraits Frida had painted, learnt about her upbringing and saw the makeup she used to use (Revlon.) I also got to l study in detail her clothes, looking at the paint marks and cigarette burn holes she had left in them. It was interesting studying the cast corsets she used to wear during recovery from major operations, and the work she used to do in regards to her community. 

Planning- a summation of my findings.

My research has shown that there are many magazines that both subvert and adhere to the conventions of fashion magazines. Mainstream magazines such as Vogue and Cosmopolitan are more typical of the fashion genre, however, more niche magazines such as POP tend to steer away from the norm representation of fashion issues. 

For my NEA photoshoot, I plan to explore cultural fashion issues (therefore appealing to a culturally sophisticated audience), as well as less cultural issues ( to appeal to a different social class.) 

My initial idea is to explore the fashion icon, Frida Kahlo. The anniversary of her death was recently (13th July 1954) so I felt it would be fitting to pay tribute to her. This is because she relates to the fashion industry, and a culturally sophisticated audience would have a degree of awareness of her work- therefore appealing to them. 

For my second photoshoot, I plan to do an ABBA-themed cover. This is because it appeals to a different social class to the first cover, however, is still very current due to the recent release of the movie 'Mamma Mia! Here we go again...'

I will continue my research into these subjects further, in preparation for my photoshoots. 

Research: Frida Kahlo Moodboard