Lord & Taylor Christmas Catalog, Circa 1941

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A lot of retro blogs--and Go Retro is no exception to this--occasionally like to poke fun at the more kitschy fashions and home items of decades past. But very often, I come across something that's so downright elegant that it deserves to be shared as well, for the right reasons. These are selected pages from the 1941 Lord & Taylor Christmas catalog that I found on WishbookWeb.com and it just oozes with class from a time gone by. It made me think of Cary Grant and Clark Gable. Although I prefer models to illustrations when it comes to catalogs, I'd have had no problem buying any of the items in this catalog without seeing an actual photograph first, as they're so nicely done. Compared to other retail chains like Sears and JCPenney, it seems that Lord & Taylor was already establishing itself as a more luxurious, niche brand back then.












By 1941, the U.S. was at war overseas. I like that the catalog recognized gifts for the soldier in someone's life. 





Thinking of today's teens, it's hard to imagine a 14 year-old boy dressing this way, isn't it?







I love that L&T was selling accessories for cats and dogs way before anyone heard of such pet luxuries!





6 comments:

  1. Boy oh boy this is beautiful stuff!!!

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  2. That's so wonderful. I sort of miss fashion illustrations.

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  3. Gorgeous gorgeous illustrations!

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  4. That really is elegant! Love the "easy days" for women and the ice skaters.
    Your blog is so much fun!
    Your newest follower,
    Jamie
    http://chatterblossom.blogspot.com/

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  5. Such an elegant time period - thank you for sharing!

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  6. Thanks for the comments, everyone! ChatterBlossom--thank you for the follow and welcome to the blog!

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