Influencing Fashion

Influencing Fashion exhibit in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 2026. / Photograph by Staff of The Henry Ford.

With their enticing images and text, fashion magazines and catalogs have let their readers dream—or buy—as they inspired millions of eager “fashionistas” with the latest styles.

Nancy Johnson

The late 1980s was an era of revivalism in fashion, as designers moved away from the excesses of the mid-1980s, instead offering stylish clothing with a sense of history. 

American designer Nancy Johnson’s advertisements swept the viewer into another time and place—a romanticized fantasy of elegance, mood, and sophistication.

A Nancy Johnson dance dress enticed potential customers in this romantic February 1987 Vogue magazine advertisement. / THF806511 (dress); THF722611 (advertisement). Gift of Nancy Johnson.

A Nancy Johnson suit dress is shown to advantage in the glamorous, sophisticated setting of this August 1987 Vogue advertisement. / THF806521 (suit dress); THF722616 (advertisement).  Gift of Nancy Johnson.

The February 1988 issue of Vanity Fair included this flirty advertisement for a Nancy Johnson swing dress. / THF806516 (dress); THF722762 (advertisement).  Gift of Nancy Johnson.

Influenced by Fashion: Personal Stories

Augusta Roddis: The Perfect Outfit

Augusta Roddis bought this suit and hat while shopping in New York City in 1941. / THF165142 (suit). Gift of Sara Witter Connor;  THF162227 (hat). Gift in Memory of Augusta Denton Roddis

Augusta Denton Roddis in 1937. / THF129497.

“I shot my wad on one outfit but I still think it was worth it…I finally got the suit dress that I liked so well in the advertisement in Vogue.  I found it at Russeks…Really, I think it is quite elegant.”

                                                –Augusta Roddis in a letter to her sister Ellen, February 13, 1941

Augusta Roddis flipped through her Vogue magazine, enjoying a look at the latest fashions.  A beautiful suit caught her eye.   A suit she couldn’t forget.   She looked for it in Chicago—then found it while shopping at Russeks on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Augusta felt a little guilty about spending so much on one suit.  But Best & Company had the perfect hat to go with it… Times were better… 

Augusta couldn’t resist.  Better to spend money on one outfit she really loved.

Mattie Majors: Collegiate Couture

Mattie Majors wore this evening dress to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Ivy Rose Ball in 1966.  John Washington was her date. THF804533 (dress). / THF700387 (photo). Gift of Mattie C. Majors.

"It was the spring of 1966...time for the Ivy Rose Ball, held for the Ivies, young ladies pledging Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority…It is a big affair that takes months of planning and dance rehearsals…I, of course, had nothing to wear.

"However, I had worked for a lady named Nora Fryerson who was a seamstress and friend of my mother. I was well aware of the magic Nora could perform with a needle, a bit of fabric and just a sewing machine so I asked her if she would make an outfit for me…the pattern was Vogue...the material, gorgeous.

"…during the course of the evening, one of the sorors [sorority sisters], who was known for her exquisite wardrobe, came over to my table…In her slightly frenzied state, she asked, ‘Where did you get that dress?’ I answered, a friend of mine made it for me.’ She replied...’I couldn't believe it when I saw it on you because it's the exact dress that a society heiress was wearing in the last issue of Vogue Magazine!’ Now I was shocked, but that really made my evening!  By the way, Nora charged me a whopping $25.00 for the outfit. I wonder how much the heiress paid."

–Mattie Majors, student at Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio

Fashion Magazines and Catalogs Timeline

Magazines and catalogs have encouraged a desire for fashion since the late 19th century. Serving as style guides, they spread news of trends to those eager to keep up with the latest looks. Though high fashion might be out of reach for some, looking stylish is not.

Influencing Fashion exhibit in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 2026.  Photograph by Staff of The Henry Ford.

Click on this link to enjoy a timeline of images from fashion magazines and catalogs: Influencing Fashion

Jeanine Head Miller, curator of domestic life.