July 20 - October 22, 2016

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This exhibit examines nearly 100 years of women’s fashion in print beginning in 1824 and ending in 1924. During this century women’s clothing changed dramatically. On display in this exhibit were examples of early prints used in women’s magazines of the 20th century.

 

While most periodicals were printed in black and white, special hand-colored inserts were added to the middle of a magazine. In the rural Midwest, women in small communities learned about changing clothing trends through images in print. Some fashion prints went beyond simply showcasing changing styles and would portray women in elaborate lifestyle scenes. These prints reinforced a way of life to readers which was often too luxurious and out of reach for middle class women of the rural Midwest.