Flux in Fashion Magazines

Fashion Magazine

The first notion of fashion illustrated began with the courts of aristocracy recording information about what they were wearing. In the late 16th and 17th century, French women and dressmakers outside of the court relied on sketches to see what was being worn. The sketches were compiled in books that were reproduced and sold, most notably the Mercure Galant.

Since the beginning of 18th century, reading fashion magazine became a sign of a good taste. By that time, Europe had published several magazines, mostly fashion. They published as many as four fashion magazines, all of them were illustrated with color drawings or engraving representing the smallest details of new clothes. These publications started featuring articles about cosmetics, hygiene and physical education, a variety of recipes and even fashion dresses patterns.

In 19th century, fashion magazines begin to feature photography. Magazines begin to expand content to feature journalism articles about women’s suffrage, socialites, men's fashion and articles about working women fashion.enhancements in color printing reduce cost and improve both quantity and quality of magazines available.Fashion media such as cable television begin to compete with magazines.

By the beginning of the 20th century, more new magazines devoted to fashion, needlework and household management appeared. Those magazine's content was of universal nature, from new books and tips on housekeeping to the amusement games and pictures of fashion.

In the past 300 years, fashion magazines have changed a great deal from outside. Yet, the basic topics remain the same - how to become beautiful, loved and happy.