06 / High Fashion in 1911:
Perceptions are curious things and often result from nothing more than what an individual thinks after a casual observation or glance at someone or something. They then come to a conclusion as to what is suitable for another human being. In other words observations made from no definite evidence of proof are sometimes repeated as fact. A magazine article dated January 1911 was definitely of the opinion certain aspects of culture had to be carefully instilled into the minds of women and or their guardians. Women then did not have a great deal of independence.
Editorial opinion had assumed the role of teacher. Women should be made aware of pets considered suitable for them “as ladies”. It could be argued that the magazine was simply trying to bring to the attention of the public the availability of certain pets suitable as gifts for females. Nothing more than, a blatant sales pitch. But note the details were under the heading of “Ladies Pets”.
Dogs considered suitable were - Pomeranians, small in size weighing sometimes as little as two and a half pounds but not more than five pounds; fur colours ranged from black, white or sable. In other words the ownership of one of these dogs would be nothing more than a decoration to show off the owner’s attractions. Other dogs suggested were King Charles spaniels, Blenheim spaniels and Pekinese. The last mentioned breed had only been seen and known in Britain for 25 years and to add to their attractiveness and desirability, were said to be a favourite of Queen Alexander.
Other creatures suitable as a hobby for “the fairer sex” were pigeons. Their beauty it was thought would appeal to the feminine mind. Why? The reader is not told. The pigeons were not expensive to keep and could earn the owner “pin money” to cover some private expenses. Other animals that females should consider owning were rabbits, silky haired cats and parrots.
Next the magazine thought it correct to instruct women regarding “things that count”. Hat pins fell into the category as did handbags for monthly shopping. The suggestion was that the bag had to be large and made of leather. Next came scarves preferably made of crepe de chine or silk or black net richly embroidered. Belts of soft suede and hair bands jewelled or plain were not forgotten.
Books recommended were on “The sporting girl and her costumes”. The sports referred to were golf, tennis and hockey. Possibly this was one way of telling women exercise was a good thing in which to be involved. But was the tone patronizing or merely sales talk? Probably both and with hindsight perhaps no different in some of the suggestions, hints and advice offered in modern magazines. In a sense not unlike other history views which changed but more often than not remained the same.
