Introduction
This week was a challenge for my self-discipline, writing multiple 300 word timed news pieces in 45 minutes to replicate real-world working practices.
Independent Study
Timed News Pieces
The Met Gala is a flurry of content, with news outlets pumping content to cover all aspects of the event. In a book revolving around this topic, it feels necessary to include key news from the evening. After the Masthead Day at the Adelphi Building, we were encouraged to familiarise ourselves with the tone-of-voice and sections of the magazine. Throughout the course, we have constantly been referring back to the Condé Nast brand titles as a key pillar in our studies; for this reason, I feel I have a good background knowledge and understanding of the publication as authoritative and informed but fun and empowering in its tone.
I highlighted in Assignment 2 of my IRP, a list of reading and literature I might use which was very Vogue-centric - I have already read other pieces of literature mentioned in that list like ‘The Garden of Time’ by JG Ballard and watched virtual exhibition tours of the ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’ exhibit. To extend this practice, I simply just read further, analysed and familiarised myself with the digital content that was published for the 2024 Met Gala online by Vogue through subscribing for their online content on my phone. This meant I could read lightheartedly before bed or on the tube, and get myself into the headspace and mindset of being a Vogue writer. Again, I love the way the writers structure their pieces, and wanted to include them word for word in the publication; but as this is my written portfolio, I feel as though all written copy should be my own. I decided it would be acceptable to use quotes I would not otherwise be able to obtain from the Vogue website in this instance. I have outlined some articles I read within the week below:
(Vogue, n.d.)
For my creative option module, I chose to do Fashion Journalism. During this module, 25% of the grade was allocated to writing a timed news piece - 300 words in 1 hour and 30 minutes. At the time, I recall Paul Tierny monitoring this session who explained in the industry, it was more likely for you to get 45 minutes to write a news piece. As I am setting up to enter the workforce after graduation, I want to challenge myself in my endeavours by working to an industry-standard timeframe and putting my extended reading of Vogue into practice.
As a detail-oriented perfectionist when it comes to my work, this allows me not to overcomplicate or overwrite my news stories and turn them into feature pieces. I’ve also heard rumours of the Vogue team working underneath the Met Gala to pump out live content while at the event which requires writers to produce work quickly that is of quality. From this challenge, I am able to work under pressure, manage my time effectively, write concisely, adapt to new circumstances as well as practice my self-discipline. At this moment in time, I am aiming to write 7 news pieces meaning one timed news piece per day for the week.
News Story Ideas
What happens inside the Met?
What’s on the menu at the 2024 Met Gala?
Baz Luhrmann’s Musical Performance with Ariana Grande (featuring an outfit change)
The Mullet is Back!
Phoebe Dynavor - Victoria Beckham’s First Met?
Stella McCartney Showcases Lab-Grown Diamonds
The Impact of AI
Da’Vine Joy Randolph in Gap by Zac Posen
Diesel’s First Met Gala
The Tables of the 2024 Met
Writing News Stories
Example of a Timed News Piece
Writing Introductory Sections for the Book
For some sections of the book, writing a full-length piece like a feature, news piece or written profile isn’t exactly necessary. In order to balance the weight of written pieces, I am writing short introductory sections to imagery such as ‘Introducing Anna Wintour’, ‘The Co-Chair’s’ and ‘The After Party’ (coming after a text heavy ‘News of the Night’ segment) that don’t require a longer copy to balance the book. For example, afterparties are relaxed and ‘not that serious’, so I wanted to portray that in the book. I also asked for a second opinion on this from my classmates who seemed to agree with this approach. Being able to ask for and take on direction from others is vital in the fashion industry. However, I did extensive further reading to understand what events were on that night, who was in attendance and sourced images through this endeavour.
Case Study: The After Party
There's Burberry at Caviar Kaspia in the Mark Hotel, Cartier at the Carlyle Hotel’s Bemelmans Bar, Stella McCartney and TikTok at Casa Cruz, Cardi B x Revolve x FWRD at Silencio, Loewe Hosted by Jonathon Anderson and Luca Guadagnino, Post Met at the Mulberry Bar, FKA Twigs at the Top of the Standard… Who am I forgetting? Queue the outfit change, we’re going to party!
Key Takeaways
I am familiar with the authoritative yet informal Vogue tone-of-voice and the types of articles they publish for digital for the Met Gala. I am also able to ideate original pieces that would fit my chosen target audience.
I have recognised my perfectionistic traits, so to complete the news of the night segment of the book with efficiency, I implemented a timed element as in the Fashion Journalism module in order to work to an industry standard. This shows my self-discipline, time management skills and my ability to work under pressure.
Next Week
In order to allow time for all my contributors to submit their quotes, I have left writing the larger written pieces until next week. This includes the piece on contextualising the Met Gala, a feature on the theme choice as well as a segment to style potential looks stars could have worn to the event. Next week is the final week for me to complete any written work. Once this is done, I can then write the foreword to explain the scope of the project in detail.
Images Reference List
Vogue. (n.d.). Met Gala 2024: Celebrities, Red Carpet, Theme & More [Online]. N.d. Available at: https://www.vogue.com/tag/event/met-gala [Accessed 1 August 2024].
Comments