Advertisement - 1932 Christmas Catalogue

Category: Advertisement; Marks & Spencer; Media, Culture and Advertising
Date: Friday 13 September 2013

Tags: 1930's; Fashion; Glamour

Image from the Christmas edition of the Marks & Spencer Magazine, 1932.

Despite the economic depression at the time, the development of mass production and the increasing influence of Hollywood meant that clothes were becoming increasingly glamorous. However, although the clothes may have reflected the glamour of the 'Roaring 20's' they were noticeably more modest; this can be seen within this advertisement with the women's full length skirts.

Below is further background information about the resource from the M&S Archive:

"The USA had a well established a ready-to-wear clothing industry and by the 1920s the UK was a decade behind. In 1924 Simon Marks visited the USA to learn about this booming industry and his experiences inspired him to market M&S as a fashion brand. The Marks and Spencer Magazine in 1932 included illustrations. It shows how affordable glamorous premade clothing was marketed by M&S to the masses."

Click on the image to view full-size

You may also be interested in videos of M & S advertisements broadcast on television throughout the 20^th century. To find out where you can access these videos, click here.

Source: Marks & Spencer Company Archive