NME Double Page Spread Review

The image of Lily Allen in the double page spread taken from NME can be interpreted in various ways. You could argue she is dressed very much like a boy, a more masculine style that challenges the expectations of young women in magazines. The checkered shirt is loose and does little to show of her figure or shape, reducing the sexual quality of the image. However, the shirt is only half done up, which then brings back an amount of sensual, sexual feeling, perhaps a small attempt to make this very much rebellious, 'boy-ish' image acceptable and to help it comply with the male gaze. Allen's hair is short, messy and jet-black, again adding to the rebellious, alternative image that is being presented. Her hair could suggest she is playing the role of a challenging teen, perhaps a move from her record label to provoke interest and help young teens relate with her, increasing her fan base, record sales and thus profit. Lily Allen is posing in a sensual manner but this stance is almost completely ineffective as her shirt covers her shape and means she cannot emphasise certain parts of her body. The necklace around her neck could be a sign of wealth and success, which relates to her so far successful and profitable career.

The quotation that dominates the page opposite to Lily Allen is in a striking font style, with bold white letters on black squares, almost like a ransom letter or a piece of child's work. This adds to the rebellious, dangerous image painted of Allen and suggests, as a ransom letter does, bad things could happen, possibly signifying Allen's opposition to conformity. The quote contains the words "People think..." which is very typical of a teenagers, who often complains about the prejudice they suffer. She claims to be "honest" which is also a very teenage trait. 

The text is much more organised and in a consistent sans serif font, with a bold "I" to signify the start of the article. This is almost the house style for NME, judging by their logo. Her name is highlighted in red in the blurb-like text underneath the quotation, emphasising that the article is about her. The red signifies danger, passion and perhaps love, emotions most teenagers would claim to have or are perceived to have.