Sometime last year I found an antique lady’s magazine at a used book store from 100 years ago.
The Lady’s World (January 1909)
Its full of advertisements (just like modern mags!), but since they are from the turn of the last century, they are interesting historical archives. Also, some of them are hilarious/frightening.
An ad for a dress stand from The Lady’s World 1909
Advertisements from The Lady’s World 1909
There are fictional stories and articles about hats – again pretty close to the format of current women’s magazines. One article caught my eye though. This piece shows a lady in a sleeping outfit with (gasp!) pants.
A page from The Lady’s World (January 1909) – The ‘suggestive’ Directoire costume (pyjamas)
The accompanying text assures the reader that such an outfit “can be worn in the privacy of one’s bed-room without it’s being considered that one has overstepped the limited of conventionality.”
A page from Lady’s World (January 1909) – It’s ok to wear pants in the privacy of one’s bedroom.
Its a keen reminder that in that era, a lady wearing a bifurcated garment may be cause for alarm.
I began scanning the entire magazine, but have not completed the process. When I have the time, I shall upload it here for reference.
Love Heather
