1920s Women, Advertising, & Hollywood

Electronic Institute of Washington, 1920
by Theodore Horydczack
Retrieved from the Library of Congress

The 1920s brought many changes for women. They changed their attitudes, dress, social behavior, careers, and even appearances. The changes that occurred were driven and influenced by Hollywood films and massive advertising through radio, magazine, and newspapers.





The image above is an advertisement from the Electronic Institute of Washington for Washer and Dryer Week. This ad targets women, who take care of the family.

Clara Bow, no date
Retrieved from the Library of Congres

Hollywood Films & Actresses

This is a photograph of the 1920s actress, Clara Bow. She starred in films such as Empty Hearts (1924), The Plastic Age (1925), and It (1927). Clara Bow and other actresses began the fad of "The Flapper", which originated from the characters they portrayed in films. Clara Bow was widely recognized as "The It Girl."

The glamour of Hollywood and films created a flourish of consumers for beauty products, clothes, household furniture and much more.

The Flapper

One Woman, 1920-1930
Created by Harry M. Rhoads
Retrieved from Denver Public Library

The glamour of Hollywood and films created a flourish of consumers for beauty products, clothes, household furniture and much more. The Flapper style, inspired by Hollywood actresses, became wildly popular. 

This photograph is titled, One Woman. It was taken in Denver, Colorado in the 1920s. Flappers did not just change their appearance. These women changed lifestyle and attitude by smoking, drinking, and frequenting clubs. 

Magazine Advertisements

Dancing the morning in half the season through, 1924
New York Times Magazine
Retrieved from the Library of Congress

Above is an advertisement for Pond's Cold Cream and Vanishing Cream that was featured in New York Times Magazine in 1924. The ad says "The society woman, like the actress, taxes her complexion unmercifully,and yet she will not permit it ever too look less than perfect." Advertisers took advantage of the Hollywood glamour so many craved to sell their products.

Newspaper Advertisements

What Price Beauty? 1926
The Delineator, New York Publishing Co.
Retrieved from the Library of Congress

This is a newspaper article that was published in the Delineator newspaper in 1926. It was common for advertisements to be aimed toward taking care of the family instead of being directly towards women. This ad offers stylish family home furnishings for three different prices.

Women's Rights

Mrs. John A. Stevenson & Mrs. Joseph Fish Standing
and holding a sign promoting the Women's Auxillary
1922, by Chicago Daily News

This photograph is of two women promoting a women's rights coalition in 1922. Women gained the right to vote during the 1920s and formed various coalitions. 
The photograph was taken by a photographer for the Chicago Daily News.