Barron, hurley

Vogue’s New World: American Fashionability and the Politics of Style

• Author: Lee Barron

  • Focus: Cultural theories and popular culture, including music, film, television, and celebrity.

  • Published in notable journals and edited collections.

Introduction

• Celebrity Focus: The article discusses Elizabeth Hurley and her role in fashion, moving from model to designer.

• Cultural Significance: Hurley's public persona intertwines with her clothing brand, Elizabeth Hurley Beach, launched in 2005.

• Celebrity Economy: The discussion situates itself within a cultural economy that emphasizes the significance of celebrity in cultural goods.

The Concept of Habitus

• Definition: Habitus refers to the dispositions and practices that are ingrained culturally and socially.

• Hurley’s Brand: The article argues that Hurley embodies an effective habitus through her clothing range, representing both a lifestyle and a marketable identity.

  • The way she markets her garments serves as instructions for consumers to replicate her style.

Media and Celebrity Impact

• Celebrity Analysis: J.G. Ballard's reflection on mid-1990s celebrity culture highlights a shift from historical figures to modern celebrities like Hurley.

• Media Coverage: The media’s obsession with Hurley's lifestyle often overshadows her professional work, framing her as a professional celebrity.

• Fashion Intersection: The article illustrates Hurley as a blend of fashion model and designer, establishing her taste and image as cultural symbols.

Elizabeth Hurley's Career Trajectory

• Notable Moment: Her emergence on the scene linked to the 1994 premiere of "Four Weddings and a Funeral" where she wore a striking Versace dress.

  • This appearance significantly raised her profile and linked her to fashion.

• Shift to Fashion Design: By 2005, Hurley transitioned from merely modeling to creating her own fashion line, marking a deep immersion in the fashion world.

• Celebrity Resource: As a celebrity, her image enhances the brands she is associated with, particularly through the lens of synergistic marketing that benefits both parties.

Constructing Identity through Fashion

• Fashion as Symbolic Communication: Clothing is key in establishing identity within society, as outlined by theorists like Bourdieu.

  • The concept of body techniques facilitates navigating social culture regarding fashion and identity.

• Changing Standards: Consumers look to celebrities like Hurley for style inspiration, equating their fashion choices with symbolic status.

• Role of Media: The article emphasizes the critical relationship between fashion media and celebrity branding, noting how the media propels Hurley's visibility.

Elizabeth Hurley Beach: Branding and Marketing

• Product and Lifestyle: Hurley’s brand offers not just swimwear but also lifestyle tips and a means of self-presentation.

  • Emphasizes glamorous spaces and aspirational messaging.

• Consumer Connection: The brand is pitched to inspire consumers to aspire to fashionable lifestyles similar to Hurley’s.

• Instructions Included: Hurley’s marketing tactics often involve providing hints and strategies for presenting oneself in the best light.

Conclusion: The Future of Celebrity and Fashion

• Evolving Role of Celebrities: The trend of celebrities becoming fashion designers highlights the permeability of boundaries between different cultural domains.

• Enduring Influence: Elizabeth Hurley represents a blend of modern femininity: from celebrity status to an entrepreneur in fashion, embodying the dynamic and ever-changing world of fashion.

• Enduring Appeal: Hurley's ongoing presence within fashion media showcases her adaptability and the lasting importance of celebrity branding in today’s consumer culture.