Art Pick of The Week: Vintage Vogue

Vogue magazine is one of the longest standing publication to this day. Although their political viewpoints can be considered controversial, to me this publication represents something different. Founded in 1892, Vogue has always been more than just a fashion magazine. When you look back at old covers and headlines, you can literally see the cultural and societal shifts in America. I love to decorate with these covers because what most don't know is that designers don't change fashion. Economic and political trends change fashion. For example, during the 1930s and 40s fashion was relatively plain and simple compared to the elaborate dress of the roaring twenties due to the impact of the Great Depression. Although the Depression didn't impact everybody and the upper class maintained all their normal routines, most were severely impacted. Many no longer had the means to buy elaborate gowns and attend high class formal events. In turn, the upper class started traveling and socializing in smaller groups leading to less of a need for elaborate formal gowns. Fashion adapted to plainer, more casual and more accommodating clothing for the current lifestyle as recreational sports became more popular. As you can see, the evolution of outdoor wear for women is apparent in these covers dated July 1936, July 1939 and May 1941.

These are the ones I chose for my laundry room because I like the way they match with the wallpaper, but there are over 1,500 covers to choose from. I have no doubt you can find a few that are just as inspiring.