Symbolic Meanings in Postmodern Fashion Advertisements

Using semiotic analysis, visual images in selected postmodern fashion advertisements were analyzed. Semiotics is the study of the structure of the meanings of signs. Semiotic analysis involves deconstruction, and thus draws on the researcher’s value-mediated introspection and subjective interpretation of texts i.e., ads). Through deconstruction, culturally assigned meanings, which represent consumers and culture, were revealed. Postmodern characteristics including open interpretation, use of the human body as an object, multi page format, new mood, black and white scenes, use of real people, and new ideology were identified in the ads. The importance of analyzing visual images in fashion ads was stressed in the findings of the study, as was the importance of educating consumers on how to read the visual images.