Response

After our class discussions and presentations today on the Historical Perspectives project I realized not only how far design and typography has come, but also how contemporary some designs of the past were. I critiqued Mademoiselle magazine throughout the 1960's and was truly amazed by the progress made throughout only one decade. I think that the 60s in general was a transition period, and especially for women. The designs from the early 60's are rather similar in design and composition to that of the 40's and 50's and women are basically "taught" how to be women by common societal standards of housekeeping and beauty. However, by the end of the decade, not only do design and typography drastically change and look quite like the 70's and in a few instances the 80's, but also the content of the magazine shifts. It still includes a great deal of information about being the "best woman you can be" in terms of style and beauty, but it also featured short stories and essays by respectable writers, such as Capote and Sylvia Plath. The magazine is praising powerful women and encourages women to succeed in all facets of life, and even details why women should be educated, go to college, and be more independent-of course while displaying the best manicure and physique possible!

I thought this project was really interesting and fun. It was great to look at the history of magazines to see the progress made and just to look through the magazines. Although, I also realized how so much of the content of magazine has truly not changed in terms of the womens style category- it even seemed as though the beauty advice in Mademoiselle practically described the same tips as my current magazines do, simply with new products.