In vogue: North American and British representations of women smokers in Vogue, 1920s-1960s
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Issue Date
2007
Authors
Warsh, Cheryl Krasnick
Tinkler, Penny
License
Subject
Abstract
The image of a cigarette in a woman’s hand symbolizes independence,
non-conformity and personal power, despite widespread awareness that
smoking has serious health risks. Through a content analysis of North American
and British editions of Vogue, we trace the representation of women smokers
from the 1920s-1960s. Vogue located the cigarette within the culture of the feminine
elite. We explore the place of cigarette smoking within the constellation of
behaviours and appearances presented as desirable characteristics of elitism,
through the themes of lifestyle, “the look,” and feminine confidence. We chart
these themes’ transformations over time and national contexts.