Fashion photography has been a major influence on consumer behavior since its emergence in the early 20th century. During and after World War II, fashion photography changed significantly, with far-reaching implications for consumer behavior. This article will explore how fashion photography changed consumers during and after WWII and its impact on the fashion industry.
Pre-WWII Fashion Photography
Before WWII, fashion photography was used primarily to advertise garments to consumers. Photographers focused on capturing the beauty of the garments and the models wearing them, emphasizing the glamour and luxury of high-end fashion. These images were used to entice consumers to purchase the garments, and were often seen in magazines and newspapers.
Fashion photography during this period was dominated by male photographers, and they often relied on the same poses and angles to create a consistent aesthetic. The focus was on the garments themselves, rather than the models wearing them. As a result, the models were often seen as nothing more than mannequins, with little attention paid to their individual personalities and characteristics.
Post-WWII Fashion Photography
After WWII, fashion photography changed significantly. Photographers began to focus on the models themselves, rather than just the garments they were wearing. This shift was due in part to the emergence of female photographers, who were more interested in capturing the personalities of their models. Images began to feature more natural poses and expressions, and the models began to be seen as individuals rather than mannequins.
The focus on the models also had a major impact on consumer behavior. Images of models with different body types, skin colors, and facial features began to appear in magazines and advertisements, making fashion more accessible to a wider range of people. Consumers were no longer limited to the traditional beauty standards of the pre-WWII era, and could find clothing that suited their individual tastes and body types.
The post-WWII era also saw the emergence of fashion photography as an art form. Photographers began to experiment with different techniques and styles, creating images that were more creative and expressive than those of the pre-WWII era. This shift in focus allowed fashion photography to reach a wider audience, and helped to further shape consumer behavior.
Fashion photography has come a long way since its emergence in the early 20th century. During and after WWII, fashion photography changed significantly, with far-reaching implications for consumer behavior. Photographers began to focus on the models themselves, rather than just the garments they were wearing. This shift allowed fashion to be more accessible to a wider range of people, and helped to shape consumer behavior in the post-WWII era.
