Real Life Glossy

For the past few weeks my world (as it relates to work and sometimes real life as an extension there of) has revolved around a simple book. The book, as it's often called during the production stages leading up to publication is none other than Vanity Fair. My company will be presenting our capabilties at VF early next week (now past since I'm lacking in my blog focused love) and in doing my due-dilligence, writing and adapting the creative brief that would accompany my proposal I began to see how this magazine, like so many others like it, has created a world unto itself. In addition to creating an escape for those less than hollywood like myself, Vanity Fair is a perspective, a lifestyle and a brand. While Vogue (the other subscription I never fail to renew) remains my favorite, a glossy look at all things fashion and celebrity-related set against the viewpoint of Ms. Anna Wintour's favorite authors, models and famous friends, Vanity Fair is often times so much more than just pretty pictures. Pulitzer Prize winners, politicians, movie stars, and Global Leaders spill their intimate secrets and share their stories with the world through the voice of this very unique book.


What these two magazines share is their portrayal of the world from all angles. In juxtaposition to its glossy pages, the stories are rarely glossed over or presented in any way other than the brutal truth. Subjects may be questionable and quotes unimaginable, but the people, in opposition to what we might think seem to really feel comfortable being who they are when they think the authors will give them a fair go of it.

Extending past their pages, these magazines create an entire universe. From premiers and parties to virtual communities and viral campaigns their power of influence is unimaginable. 

Vanity Fair is special though. It creates a platform and a voice. Whether in published word or through the events they support, the characters that play a role are often within a sphere of influence that works to shine a spotlight on something you didn't consider. Often looking at a case from an opposing side, a wife of a scorned politician, what Lindsey Lohan is doing to rectify her image issues, or why Emma Watson needs to walk away from Harry Potter they play the perennial devil's advocate. 

In reading the mags most recent issue I stumbled upon a story discussing the Shriver family. The lesser known side to the infamous Kennedy clan, this band of brothers and one sister with a gubenator husband has created more good-will than most of the world will ever know. Amidst the scandal, drama and heated debates their family continues to use their considerable wealth and influence to float causes near and dear to their core. 


They are 5 siblings whose parents set a standard ultimately too high for most to ever reach. Founding such national institutions as the Special Olympics and the Peace Corps, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her husband Sargent Shriver expected great things from their often cursed brood. As a second generation they have served the government, won Emmy's, created Project (RED) and a women's conference to empower women, U.S. programs for Save the Children and founded Best Buddies International, a mentoring program for the intellectually disabled. They are famous for their name but deserving of every bit of the glory they receive. Never crumbling under the immense expectations or resting on the life that was already available to them from birth, they set a standard of good will that not only promises to inspire the next generation, made up of their combined 19 children but everyone who currently strives to be someone better. 

The Shriver's are just a single story. A single page in a magazine filed away once May goes to print and yet they are so much more. The magazine is filled with other stories just like this one that offer an exclusive glimpse behind the velvet rope that creates a symbolic barrier between what we see around us and everything else that's out there. Often combining teams of people that present varying views on a single issue or a subject in an ironic way VF is my perennial baseboard. I long to know more, see more, do more. Yes, I'm fascinated by the people who fill the pages. But more than just being starstruck, I'm fascinated by the journeys they've taken and where they say they want to go.

It's not the Wall Street Journal or the NY Times, and some consider it a silly waste of money that glorifies Hollywood but for me it's a reference point that takes characters and subjects and makes them last a bit longer than a day. In my journey to be relevant I build inspiration from this silly magazine and challenge myself to think bigger. In a world where people fall to complacent faster than they can be invigorated, maybe reading about others who refuse to settle will inspire them to power through. Maybe a magazine that spews the values of wearing black will be the new black.