Fashion and Style

To make their offerings appealing, advertisers frequently featured well-turned-out men and stylishly dressed women on their cards, as well as home interiors representing the very best in current trends and taste. The goal, of course, was to associate the advertised product with middle- and upper-middle-class attainments. Not only was this flattering to the consumer, it rewarded her or him by conveying information on what was à la mode in clothing, hair styles, postures and gestures. Historians of fashion and the decorative arts can find an immense repository of information in trade cards.

Previous Section | Next Section