Teen Vogue strives to teach young people about the fashion business and guide them towards the right career. The November issue focuses on various aspects of this industry by featuring Teen Vogue staffers and industry experts, including popular blogger Bryanboy, who explain how they got to where they are. They advise young people to network and to always have ambition, while also discussing how young people have more possibilities today to learn skills and make a name for themselves. That’s the case for twin sisters/costume designers behind the label Shock and Awww. They taught themselves skills from community college sewing classes and watching YouTube videos and now they make many of the candy themed costumes that Katy Perry wears while performing! They exemplify how through drive and determination, anyone can achieve their goals.
The magazine also highlights the importance of social media with a story on the industry’s biggest bloggers from Leandra Medine of Manrepeller to Bethany Mota of Macbarbie07, who discuss how having an online presence can become your own business. Millennials are increasingly interested in entrepreneurism and Teen Vogue highlights this trend.
The magazine also addresses the importance of staying true to yourself and not giving up with profiles on numerous stars including Olympic champions Gabby Douglas and Missy Franklin, as well as cover girl Demi Lovato. Demi embodies the idea of staying strong and she discusses the importance of fighting when things get hard. She also advocates for girls to be themselves and evokes this through her style. She proudly shows off her colored hair and tattoos in the magazine, reflecting how culture is increasingly celebrating individuality.
Seventeen has tips on how to launch your own business, get killer confidence with advice from Hayden Panettiere, and beauty suggestions from singer Rita Ora. However, what stands out the most in this issue is the relatable advice for real girls, specifically addressing Body Peace. Stars and real girls share their true emotions about their bodies to help readers realize they should also stop obsessing about their bodies. Missy Franklin is featured in this spread and discusses that when growing up, her body made her different, but she eventually embraced it and realized that it’s her greatest strength in allowing her to achieve her dreams. Singer Jessie J. explains that even though she loves makeup, you should never be afraid to show who you are or hide behind it. She’s softened up her makeup and points out that our generation uses Instagram filters to make ourselves look even better, but we don’t need an edited version of ourselves.
Moreover, actress Mae Whitman admits that she compares herself to perfect Hollywood stars on TV, but she vows not to do this and to be happy with herself. Additionally, three girls who met in the hospital while battling eating disorders also share their experiences in finding peace with their bodies. The magazine covers this subject in all senses to help girls find peace with their bodies.
Another one of the most powerful parts of this issue is a lifestyle profile on a college student who experienced extreme hazing. While pledging for a sorority, the members beat her and the other hopeful members to the point that they were bleeding. They punched, kicked, and stomped on the pledges and used rush as a chance to be violent. Hazing is a frequent problem on college campuses — 68% of sorority girls have experienced it — and the saddening story addresses how it tears down girls’ confidence. However, the article has a positive tone in urging girls to end this behavior and those on the receiving end to stand up for themselves.
And then of course, there’s One Direction! Readers had been asking for the teen heartthrobs to be on the cover, and their wish came true. They’ve also been asking for customized fashion and beauty advice with tips for their body types and skin tones. It’s clear that young people want a voice and magazines are still very much relevant to them, especially if they cover relatable issues and give readers a say in the creation.
