I decided I needed a little color in my life right now- things are pretty dark for the world. What better way to celebrate a little color than an 80s glam magazine? Um, there is no better way!
Today we’re diving into Mademoiselle Magazine from April 1981. Mademoiselle was an iconic fashion magazine that was published from 1935 to 2001 (RIP). It catered towards smart and mature college-age and older women. Back in the day, it was know for its amazing short stories from famous authors like Truman Capote and Sylvia Plath (Source).
Fun fact: They were actually the first mainstream fashion magazine to feature an African-American woman on the cover! In 1961, they profiled UCLAs class president, Willette Murphy- she did not realize at the time that she was making history.
This issue has a lot of great details inside- both advertising and content.
The content itself is very interesting, and from a modern standpoint has both progressive and antiquated content.
On the progressive end, there is actually helpful articles on topics like Toxic Shock (it was 1981.. Toxic Shock was just gaining recognition not even a year before and no one really understood it yet), abortion, women getting started in the workplace and more. These make sense with the articles targeted audience of an education college age or older young woman- they made it clear that this is not a teen magazine.
On the antiquated end, there are some really harmful and potentially dangerous articles pertaining to diet culture, particularly profiling six different fad diets that suggest you cut 1,800 calories a day. On top of that, there are of course the many ads for weight loss products that are seen in so many women’s magazines, even to this day.
There is also some really fun, colorful and whacky ads in true 1980s fashion! Looking at you, shoe cracking an egg to reveal a flower… interesting.
I had so much fun going through this issue, I really hope you enjoy it as well!
And as always, if there are any scans you would like to see that I did not include, leave me a comment or email me via the contact page with the time stamp and description of what you would like, and I will scan it!
Cover. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Summer fashions, really reverting to the hippie styles. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Christian Dior “Snappy” nail polishes and lipsticks in pink. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
“Sports ’81” brightly colored womens athletic clothing by Hang Ten. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Gel jelly “Bubbles” by Nina heels. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Butlers Shoes Malings Shoes egg ad, featuring white women heels cracking an egg with a flower inside. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Keds sneakers “one shoe for all the looks” ad. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
“Babe” sports suit ad. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Visit Wyoming travel ad. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
“News” update on Toxic Shock and the infamous morning sickness drug. 
Personal Touch shaving ad. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Hawaiian Tropic tanning oil ad. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Fila and Cordura athletic wear for travel ad. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Giorgio Armani and Drambuie ad. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Sergio Valente jeans ad. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Danskin swimwear ad. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Elizabeth Arden Rainbows ad featuring a dreamy pink dress. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Chanel No. 19 perfume ad. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Maybelline blush ad. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Cover Girl “Nail Slicks” nail polish. Their logo on the bottle is reminiscent of Gucci or Chanel! Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Back Cover- Nina Ricci Paris perfume ad for “L’air du Temps: The Romantic Perfume”. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
How to wrap one up- turn a scarf into a romper! 
Article on Abortion by Carol Lynn Mithers 1/2. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981. 
Abortion continued by Carol Lynn Mithers 2/2. Mademoiselle Magazine, April 1981.
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Nothing wrong with suggesting women should maintain a healthy weight and work out plan.
Much better than promoting and celebrating obesity like we do today!
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