Americana Issue By Bert Stern Essay

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The front cover of the edition published on February 1st, 1964, photographed by Bert Stern. The edition was called “Americana Issue; a coast to coast fashion report”. The model of this cover is also unknown. An interesting observation about this cover is that is almost looks like a painting, drawing or illustration, rather than a photograph, perhaps due to the high grain. Historical Context The 1960’s were a time of confusion and transition. Feminist movements started to spark as the younger generation expected to have equal opportunities as men did. Despite women gaining some rights, the workforce was still dominated by men and women had little or no say in any aspect in society. Only 38% of women were working; mainly as secretaries, nurses or teachers (Tavaana). Their jobs were temporary and unstable compared to the men. There was also a lot of age discrimination towards older women trying to gain …show more content…

According to Time, he was “one of the most successful and creative and highly paid photographers of the day (Bicker, 2013.) Contrary to other photographers at his time, Stern’s work was direct, neat and organized. There was a widening demand for fashion due to a change in social and moral values. Therefore, photography had to be new and exciting which is where Bert Stern’s work ties in. His organized and neat pictures were new and refreshing to the fashion photography world. The model in this cover is evidently showing less skin as the models in the 1939 cover. The conservative atmosphere reflects how even though the younger generation began fighting back, there were still similar social standards for women. They only then started to break through, with their protests; also known as “second-wave feminism” Interestingly enough, the model in this cover isn’t of young age. Perhaps, Vogue’s model choice reflects yet another resistance against the ways of discrimination against

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