Erotic advertising was a common feature of 1920s Parisian magazines, particularly those aimed at women, such as La Vie Parisienne. These publications were known for their sophisticated and alluring depictions of women's fashions, lifestyles, and romantic pursuits, but they also featured suggestive images that were designed to appeal to the reader's sexual desires. One example is an advertisement for a perfume called "L'Heure Bleue," which shows a woman lying seductively in bed, her bare shoulder exposed and her eyes closed in a state of blissful relaxation. The ad implies that using this perfume can bring about a similar state of sensual pleasure. Another popular style of erotic advertising was the pinup, which often featured scantily clad models posing provocatively. These images were designed to evoke a sense of excitement and desire, and were meant to be seen as aspirational rather than explicit. They often featured female celebrities or models who had risen to fame through their sex appeal, such as actresses like Gloria Swanson and Ziegfeld Follies dancer Ruth Etting. In addition to these more traditional forms of erotic advertising, some magazines also included more daring content, such as articles on sexual practices and advice on how to please one's partner. Overall, the use of erotic imagery in Parisian magazines in the 1920s was intended to titillate and entertain readers while promoting products and services related to beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. It was a way for companies to tap into the growing sexualization of society and create a sense of desire and longing among consumers.
Erotic Advertising in 1920s Parisian Magazines: An Analysis | by Mark A. Nelson | Medium
Erotic Advertising in 1920s Parisian Magazines: An Analysis
Mark A. Nelson
Parisian women's magazines from the 1920s featured a variety of erotic advertisements that blended sophistication with playful sensuality. One example is an advertisement for a perfume called "L'Heure Bleue," which shows a woman lying seductively in bed, her bare shoulder exposed and her eyes closed in a state of blissful relaxation. The ad implies that using this perfume can bring about a similar state of sensual pleasure. Another popular style of erotic advertising was the pinup, which often featured scantily clad models posing provocatively. These images were designed to evoke a sense of excitement and desire, and were meant to be seen as aspirational rather than explicit. Some magazines also included more daring content, such as articles on sexual practices and advice on how to please one's partner. Erotic imagery in these publications was intended to titillate and entertain readers while promoting products and services related to beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. It was a way for companies to tap into the growing sexualization of society and create a sense of desire and longing among consumers.