VogueOne of the greatest sources of influence that impacted and still continues to affect American fashion is Vogue. Vogue began in 1892 thanks to Arthur Baldwin Turnure as a classified reference for New Yorkers, with only the highest regard for style and the industry. Originally the focus of the magazine was to highlight the men’s fashion of the era, but after about 20 years it shifted to the appeal of women. It became known as the biggest fashion magazine in the world and spread into over 17 other countries. Vogue's 2007 magazine set a world record for magazines, with 840 pages in a single issue alone. Having such a distinct respect and appeal from press and viewers as a fashion magazine, Vogue shaped the way American's in particular turned to wearing denim and expensive designer "couture" clothing. The magazine was a way for every one-celebrity and middle class-to stay in touch with the latest trends in fashion and newest designer collections. In a sense this more casual look with high class sophistication was more likely to fit the new age look of style while maintaining the timeless class look of high fashion runways, modeling and beyond. The term "All American" or "bombshell" comes to mind, each reflecting a different kind of beauty found in American Vogue. England's Anna Wintour, Vogue's current editor since 1988 brought on courageous bold looks for the publication and is never afraid to go beyond expectations or defy "normal". Her personal take on fashion can be defined in the words "The notion that a contemporary woman must look mannish in order to be taken seriously as a seeker of power is frankly dismaying." This take on how women should dress greatly changes how women have been regarded in poltitcs and has leaders. Should they have to trade a mere sense of fashion to gain the respect of peers? Wintour did not think so, and continues confidently to send the Vogue company into the confident style of the present and future.
In and interview with Barbara Walters, Wintour points out that the designers incorporated into the magazine and styles displayed on the runways often imitate what is going on in the world. When asked if the mood of the country affects fashion, she replied: "Absolutely it affects fashion. We were so interested at Vogue to see how militant many of the collections were. I mean there was a real sense of the women on the runways going into battle." "One doesn't want fashion to look ridiculous, silly, or out of step with the times - but you do want designers that make you think, that make you look at fashion differently. That's how fashion changes. If it doesn't change, it's not looking forward. And that's important to me." |
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