In this blog post I am going to be talking about Taylor Swift’s fascination with the glamour of the Great Gatsby era that has been very evident way before her “Reputation” era where she specifically referenced the roaring 20’s. I am diving into one of Taylors first Gatsby references of the small but significant reference is in her 2014 People Magazine cover, where she portrayed Mia Farrow’s iconic Daisy Buchanan look. I think that this deliberate choice shows Taylors very early close connection with the aesthetic and underlying themes of The Great Gatsby. By emulating Daisy, Taylor aligned herself with the character who embodies both beauty and vulnerability, while being trapped in a world of parties and hidden desires and secrets. This foreshadowed Taylors later exploration of similar themes in her music, particularly the themes of fame, love, and society expectations. The Daisy inspired cover had also hinted at Taylors creativity for crafting elaborate narratives and making a carefully made public image like she does even today, much like Gatsby himself. Through this small reference, Taylor showed her deep understanding of the Gatsby lifestyle and its enduring relevance, even today. It goes to show her ability to take inspiration from literary classics and seamlessly intertwine them into her own music, which creates a very thought provoking piece of work. But overall, Taylor’s 2014 People cover was a really smart move that showed her artistry and public persona. It also is what kick-started her love for the Gatsby era as she later adds many nods to Gatsby in her songs.
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