Fashion magazines have had an influence in the world since the early 1900’s. Their effective imagery and ingenious works of creation captivate fashion in a way that is almost magical. These fashion magazines delve deep into the art of fashion and exhibit boldness, determination, and brilliance. With every page turned, a new understanding is gained. With every image, color, and design, comes an inspiration–an inspiration to take a risk and to be yourself.
One aspect of fashion magazines that I love most are the covers. These covers give the viewer a chance to see something beautiful. These covers give the viewer a chance to see fashion. Traveling back to the past, whether it was a flapper dress in the 1920s or a pencil skirt in the 1950s, these covers broke and still do break social barriers of constraint and insecurity. They are colorful, loud, and telling. They exhibit grace, beauty, and an appeal that is unforgettable.
However, although there are many fashion magazines of the past and present that have made these ideals become reality, there is one dateless magazine that makes its presence known above all the others. This magazine is Vogue.
Vogue’s effect on the fashion industry is ever-lasting. Its beneficial qualities are infinite. From charitable projects to teachings on beauty and self-worth, Vogue is remarkable. What I find incredibly admirable about Vogue is its ability to transcend realistically the times of the past and the present. What I love most about Vogue though is its covers. These covers are a combination of style, design, passion, energy, and fierceness. They are light and chic. Lets take a look at some of these memorable artistic covers from the ’20s through the ’50s…
Jazz, rights, and speakeasies–these were the 1920s. Vogue portrayed the 1920s perfectly. From the day to the night, life was abuzz with freedom, music, and most importantly, fashion. Sparkles and prosperity, inching hemlines and sheer silhouettes–fashion was breaking free and living to its fullest extent! Vogue portrays the flapper as the queen of the day, the night, the countryside, and the city. Bold zigzags, luxurious furs, white pearls–the sun shines, the lights glow, the fashion comes to life.
As the Depression hit, fashion lived. Structure, grace and elegance–a woman’s figure traditionally presented. From hard chic to soft dresses, the 1930s were a time of enhancement. Feminine curves were highlighted as broad shoulders were emphasized. Evening gowns of soft silk were worn as the theatre, restaurants, and nightclubs captivated peoples time and desire. Vogue gave the woman a look of elegance. With lengthy dresses and classic long sleeves, charming fashions are revealed.
The war ended. Fashion had made its return. After taking a second place in response to the WWII effort, Parisian courtiers began to bring fashion back and American designers made gains and prominence. From Parisian looks of drastically lengthened and widened skirts, to American looks of ready-to-wear fashion, fashion overcame obstacles and succeeded. Vogue portrayed fashion as sophisticated and fun spirited. With the use of photography, fashion was able to be shown in real life, an actual setting. A brown dress and a dramatic fur hat, a fun loving white bathing suit with a tight swim cap, Vogue captured both sides of the fashion spectrum!
With a growth of culture came a growth of fashion. The 1950s was a time of rock n’ roll, pop art, and poodle skirts. Marilyn Monroe oozed sex appeal, as Elvis Presley rocked the stages of America. Fashions emphasized a modernized flapper with sleeveless dresses and invisible waists. There was a delicate femininity. Women wore stiletto heels with little hats with veils and feathers. Women wore wrist-length gloves with tight pencil skirts that perfected the “hour-glass shape.” Vogue reflected these trends wonderfully on its covers. These images truly showed “how to be the beauty the new fashions ask for.”
As quoted by Caroline Weber of the New York Times, Vogue is “the world’s most influential fashion magazine.” Its covers capture the fashions of the times tastefully and perfectly!
Timeless, influential, and inventive, this is Vogue. And it most certainly prevails.
Hipstersleek 