Media Analysis - Red magazine

Looking at Red magazine, it is fair to say I am not their target audience. With articles on interior decorating, home-cooking and anti-ageing creams, it is hard not to think of only one person when reading this magazine - my mum. This certainly is aimed at the older woman, however with fashion labels such as Russell and Bromley, Jaeger and Nicole Farhi mentioned, its target audience are not short of cash and certainly have good taste.
Flicking through the pages, I am surprised at how many fashion items catch my eye - a tiered skirt with button detail from New Look worn by a model no older than twenty-five is not exactly what I expected to find in a magazine aimed at older women. I begin to realise aspiration is the key factor, with articles on botox, vasculight laser therapy and Elizabeth Ardent anti-ageing cream gracing the pages,it is clear to see what all Red magazine readers want - youth. Amidst their battle with the unavoidable, articles focus on cooking, the home and the environment, including 'eco-friendly projects' and 'how to cook a four course meal in under an hour'.
Upon further research, I found Red magazine Direct - a website selling a mixture of jewellery, accessories, bags, home-ware and kids-wear. With favourite designers including Tula, Modalu and Ollie and Nic, the website is a great online catalogue of sophistication and style - ideal for the busy housewife or working woman who does not have time to go shopping for the latest Red 'must-haves'.
Whilst Red remains a popular fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine for women all around Britain, it seems ironic that the name shares itself with another magazine in the regions of Arizona and Texas, focusing on a very different type of subject...gay nightlife, culture and style!