From the Archive: Fashion, Politics and Satire

by · WWD
"Our Pre-Election Chamber of Horrors," Women's Wear, Nov. 3, 1916.Fairchild Archive/WWD

Satire has a powerful way of illuminating the times. Historically, the art form was pivotal in shaping the public debate on social and political issues, including anti-war sentiment, tariffs and labor. From 1914 to 1916, satirical cartoons offered a distinctive form of storytelling in Women’s Wear. As mass media and periodicals became central sources of information, the daily welcomed illustrations that engaged with the issues of the day. In WWD, satirical illustrations also addressed fashion, bringing the form into the publication’s coverage of the industry.

On Nov. 3, 1916, WWD captured the mood in, “Our Pre-Election Chamber of Horrors,” a reflection of the era’s visual propaganda that offers, for those watching, a close comparison with today’s political and social headlines. How much has changed? Like then, we’ll leave that to readers to decide.

“Our Pre-Election Chamber of Horrors,” Daily Retailing, Women’s Wear, Nov. 3, 1916. Fairchild Archive/WWD