Tatler, the Gossiping Glossy

Abstract

This chapter considers identities created by and represented in Tatler, arguing that while marketed for women, its content widens the parameters of what is stereotypically included in the genre. As a “gossiping glossy” and looking to popular culture for content, it also utilizes social capital, via social networks to present itself as knowledgeable with “insider” information, connected to elites and power groups. How the magazine negotiates challenge to tradition, via the ban on foxhunting, is addressed, along with the making of new traditions with new elites in the global environment. The magazine’s relationship with the royal family is examined to show how, following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, they participated in the symbolic reworking of reputations. Attention is paid to Tatler’s use of humour and irony to argue this can create ambiguity, leading to possible misinterpretation, and is potentially destabilising in terms of positioning readers.