Gent is a monthly American men's lifestyle publication founded in 1968 that focuses on fashion, luxury goods, and cultural affairs. It targets affluent urban men aged 25 to 45 years old. The magazine was created in 1968 as Gentleman's Quarterly but changed its name in 20021. From time to time, Gent included interviews, photo spreads, or mentions of celebrities, particularly those associated with glamour or adult entertainment. These features helped boost the magazine's profile and added a touch of star power. Though not as celebrity-driven as some rivals, these occasional features gave Gent an edge in pop culture relevance.
In addition to its core coverage areas, Gent often featured articles about popular actors, musicians, athletes, and other public figures who were known for their style, success, or personal lives. For example, a 2010 issue featured actor Leonardo DiCaprio on the cover and included a lengthy profile detailing his life and career. Another issue from 2003 focused on the life and work of renowned singer Elvis Presley, including photos and quotes from friends and family members. In general, the use of celebrity features and cameos was strategic - it helped Gent stand out from competitors like Esquire and Playboy, which had more of a celebrity focus.
However, Gent also used celebrity features to promote specific products or services. For instance, a 2007 issue featured actress Scarlett Johansson promoting her new perfume line, while a 2013 article highlighted a luxury watch brand endorsed by tennis player Roger Federer. This type of sponsored content blurred the lines between advertising and editorial content, leading to accusations that Gent was becoming less journalistic and more commercialized. Nevertheless, the magazine continued to use celebrity features into the early 2010s before gradually reducing them in favor of other types of content.
Overall, the use of celebrity features and cameos played an important role in Gent's editorial strategy. By showcasing famous people alongside fashion trends and cultural topics, the magazine differentiated itself from rivals and gained attention from readers seeking a glamorous lifestyle publication.