As my internet loads up the homepage of 'Marmalademag.com', I contemplate what my choice will be today – work or play? Play. Immediately I am transfixed in another game of highly addictive 'Pacman' – a multitude of flashing colours and an electronic soundtrack. Is this what online fashion magazines have come to? Adults logging onto a website associated with one of the most influential and expensive industries in the world in order to play a game intended for a five-year-old ? As web-zines such as 'Marmalade', 'Pop' and 'WAD' grow in number, it becomes clear that the traditional idea of a fashion magazine has certainly come a long way. These websites focus on the untraditional, unconventional and creative; it is all about freedom of speech and the opportunity to be different. Drugs, sex and non-conforming behaviour are key promoters of the fashion world; with e-zines such as 'fuk.uk' and 'The Flavour Pill' offering illusive names to support this idea, their websites actually provide their audiences with the latest in fashion, style and culture.
The idea of childish games seems ironic therefore, with this 'grown-up' lifestyle being promoted (the Pacman game is subtitled 'play with yourself'), but this is what truly captures their view-point – why not play Pacman at twenty-five years of age? Why conform? These types of web-zines are the new 'Beat Generation', with unconventional art, music and lifestyles being promoted, whilst excellent writing conveys the latest in fashion and trends.
Artwork from a blogger on the Popmagazine e-zine: www.myspace.com/popsuperglossy
No comments:
Post a Comment