Original Digipak Analysis

Since Boys by Charli XCX is a single I will be analysing the cover art for the song when it was released.

For the album cover, Charli has used a man doll, maybe a Ken doll for the cover with a pastel background.

What it signifies

The probable use of Ken doll signifies the image of a man in the society. Since a Ken Doll is based on the idea of what a man should look like in the society. The doll appears to have a tanned six pack, which is considered as the ideal physique in the society.

From the way I interpret it, what Charli is trying to convey is that the ‘image of the ideal man’ is nothing but plastic. The use of the plastic Ken Doll suggests that the perfect physique does not exist and the societal standards are made up and outdated.

How is the idea presented in the video?

The video itself consists of men of all ages, colours, shapes and sizes. The idea of the ‘plastic perfect man’ is disconstructed in video as it shows all sorts of men featured doing attractive things such as lifting weight or eating cake. The idea of exclusivity and body positivity in men is promoted in the video completely going against the Plastic Ken Doll in the cover. Charli’s message from the cover and the video promotes the idea that ‘ All men are beautiful just the way they are’

The use of the pastel colour pink also promotes the idea that men can be feminine if they wanted to. The video also features shades of pink and pastel promoting feminity in men.