The Zona Gallery: Room 307

Catching Them Young

Training customers early is a critical element of success in the modern consumer economy. Images from catalogues and girls' magazines illustrate foundation manufacturers' efforts to do just that.


Catalogues such as Sears, Penney's, and Ward's illustrate garments aimed at the teen market.
L-R: Undated (2); J.C. Penney, 1965; Sears, 1966; Sears, 1970.



"Schoolgirl shapemakers" for girls in "the wishful thinking stage." Someone could write a book on the significance of the Biblical symbolism in this ad. Hestia "Young Eve," Australian, 1968.



Colorful designs marketed to teenaged girls in Sears catalogues of the late 60s and early 70s.



This 1960s Vassarette campaign seems to be targeting young women who are still learning to live with the strictures of adult attire.



Some ads appeared aimed at exploiting generational conflict. Visit Room 304 for the text of the Warners ad at far left.
L-R: Warners, 1966; Sears, 1966; Bestform, 1969.



These two ads appeared in a 1963 issue of American Girl, the official magazine of the Girls Scouts of America. Note the adaptation of the famous Maidenform I Dreamed... campaign for a youthful audience. (During the same period, Boy's Life, the Boy Scout magazine, was running ads for Daisy BB guns and build-your-own-rocket kits.)
Left- Maidenform; Right- Permalift.



Left: "When a girl starts to show her age..."Bestform, 1967. Center: "High schoolers! We turn your wishes into features." Formfit, 1955. Right: Aimed at moms, "When your little girl becomes a young lady." Formfit, 1957.


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