Research: Similar product research 12. Costumes and make-up for our female lead

Taylor Swift, 'Back to December':
I really like this costume for our female lead because the woman in the video is represented as being very casual. The 'Star Image' which is created is that of someone who is spending the day relaxing with someone that she feels completely comfortable with and therefore does not feel the need to wear extravagant clothing or heavy make-up. This representation is exactly what we want to create for our female lead as she must look completely at ease with her lover. I think it is also important that we do not use clothes which appear unattainable to people of lower and middle class background as it is imperative that the target audience is able to relate to the characters in the music video.

The use of loose fitting clothing e.g. the plain white vest top and cardigan is symbolic of her complete comfort. The woman is therefore represented as being confident in her body and not continually striving to impress for self worth. We would like the audience to recognise these qualities in our female lead because this would imply that our star treats her very well within the relationship.

 Taylor Swift, 'White Horse':
Once more cardigans appear to connote a person who is finding comfort. In the context of this video the woman has just suffered heartbreak. In popular culture, women are often represented as wearing large unfaltering clothes following a break down of a relationship. We do not want to create this representation and therefore instead of choosing dark colours for our female lead we will chose lighter colours like pink and white (shown above). However, I really like the woman's hair in this video. The stylist has chosen to make it look effortless and casual.

I prefer the hair style in the video I have shown previous to this one. Although I like the curls, they seem a lot more controlled and I think I would like to create a messier curl which starts from the roots. However I do like the fishnet dress on top of the white vest top. We are using a beach location for some of our music video and I think that this classic beach look harmonies well with the colour of the sand.

Selena Gomez, 'Kill em' With Kindness':
The woman represented here appears of higher class compared to the women in previous videos. Although most radiated a sense of 'normality' that people could relate to, Selena Gomez is represented here as a extremely fashionable celebrity which isn't the representation I would like to create.

Selena Gomez, 'Good for you':
I will definitely use a white T-shirt very similar to this one as it will be easy to attain and also very inexpensive.

Laura Mulvey's theory of the 'male gaze' is highly relevant in this music video. Although Selena Gomez is wearing a large T-shirt which is not accentuating her figure she has managed to sexualise the outfit by choosing to include no trousers in her costume. As well as this she also has wet hair. This technique is often used to imply sexual desirability. It can be argued that Selena Gomez has chosen this outfit in order to attract a male fan base although I believe it is healthy to express your sexuality if you feel comfortable and you enjoy it.

I also like these ripped jeans. As well as being a fashion trend the rips may also connote a carefree attitude. Once more, the models hair is down which is beginning to appear as the ideal way to imply a relaxed manner.

The Vamps ft. Demi Lovato, 'Somebody to You':
I think this outfit would look very good in many of our outside locations as the cardigan Demi Lovato is wearing would blow dramatically when the wind blows.






How this research has influenced my planning:

• Costume for female lead: jeans and plain top.