#202295 - Fads and Fancies No 4 Utopian Press 1950 Janine
Fads and Fancies, No. 4
THE SMART SPORTS AND FASHIONS MONTHLY
numbered Vol. 1, No. 9 on page 1
Utopian Press
London, UK
1950
digital replica
and
optimized for ebook viewing
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, London-based Utopian Press published Fads and Fancies, a fetish magazine with abundant illustrations by an artist who called herself Janine. In theme and style, Fads and Fancies was a descendant of London Life, which was bombed out of existence in 1941.
Nearly all text takes the form of letters from readers. Each letter is numbered, facilitating reference in subsequent issues.
Correspondents are women and men, disclosing their preferences in hair or lingerie color, female proportions and Janine's art. Writers discuss wrestling, knickers, step-ins, panties, nylons, high heels, corsets, petticoats, anklets, jewelry, cosmetics, hobble skirts, lace, garters, and horses.
Episode 6 of The Adventures of Delia by Aubrey Lamonte, whose ink technique looks a lot like Janine's, appears on one page. Titled The Belle of the Ball, narration summarizes the scenario with these words: “Delia is preparing for a dinner party given in her honour by Mme. Larroue, at which she is to meet important members of the organization.”
Although the magazine contains no advertising, inauguration of The Sterling Club is announced in a box. Available only to individuals who receive the September 1950 issue of Fads and Fancies, this exclusive organziation will facilitate discreet correspondence between like-minded enthusiasts.
The digital replica presents each monochrome page in the sequence of the original. One page layout was changed. Brightness, contrast and levels were adjusted.
All new scans.
The optimized ebook present each picture on a separate page. Art appears on more than 40 pages. As possible, curvy legs in seamed hosiery are repeated, enlarged. The six panels of the Delia serial are at the end of the ebook.
Ordinary 1950s sexism colors letters with fetishization of women's bodies, undies, make-up, hosiery, dresses and footwear. Expressed and implied enchantment with feminine things discloses one male viewpoint about the role of women. In 1954, Mr. Burtman dedicated his American Exotique magazine “to FASHIONS, FADS AND FANCIES,” which also accomplishes oblique reference to fetish objects.
Janine's artistry illuminates many written descriptions with fluid renderings of voluptuous beauties in stockings, garters, bloomers, corsets, hats and high heels. Her busty matrons present themselves in ornate regalia, celebrating their own fleshy femininity adorned with lace, ruffles, bows and feathers. In some pictures, the sexy subject seems a captive of her own fashion flamboyance.
An earnest post-war excursion into the realm of male fascination with women, Fads and Fancies delivers delicious divas in frilly fetish mode. While Janine's extravagant curvaceousness eclipses current slender ideals, the femininity of her characters endures with style and cheer.
also available —
Fads and Fancies, No. 6
Fads and Fancies, No. 5
[ This website has information about Janine / Reina M. Bull. ]
Two ebooks, one optimized, delivered by download from your 30th Street Graphics account.