INFLUENCE FASHION MAGS

THE INFLUENCE OF EARLY FASHION MAGAZINES

 

In the 1060s American women could see original designs by fashion designer Charles Frederick Worth, in the popular publication Harper’s Bazaar. By the end of the twentieth century, this was the prime technique of spreading news of the new fashion trends from Paris.

 

Gowns were first illustrated with drawings. Vogue illustrated as many as 33 models from Paris in each issue, and about twice as many American dresses. Advertisements provided many more images. But as photography became more refined in the early twentieth century, the fashion press used more and more photographs of new designs. Fashion and art began to merge about the same time in the eyes of artists. These artists not only painted but also created textile designs and fashion illustrations. 

Vogue operated in America not only to provide sketches and patterns of fashions resulting from Paris models, but also to promote French couture. In America, wearing fashion from Paris would ensure that others would recognize the wearer’s wealthy status. Women liked what they seen in the pages of fashion magazines and were no longer content with dresses that were not recognized with the style of a particular fashion designer.

Today fashion magazines are similar influenced as they have been in the past. They are influenced by popular culture, music and economics. Actor, models and musicians and still showing more influence than world leaders. The world still watches Paris for next season’s fashion.