Esquire’s Complete Golden Age Illustrations:

[Flanderian]

Here are Esquire's May 1947 illustrations, part 1:

 

[Flanderian]

And here is the 2nd and final part of Esquire May 1947.

 

[Metatron]

Btw it's funny how 'don't put your shoes on before your trousers' is by definition advice from an era of wide trousers!

 

[Benny Holiday]

Regarding post #493, as well as the great illustrations and accompanying text, I enjoyed reading the little article about Howard Hughes in 1947. Thanks again Flanderian!

 

[Flanderian]

Btw it's funny how 'don't put your shoes on before your trousers' is by definition advice from an era of wide trousers!

Six decades later, I'm still traumatized over having had to remove my trousers at a doctor's office or a tailor shop while still shod. Though donning the trousers ran the risk of the shoe's heel getting wedged in an unmovable position, the real comedy preceded it when removing them - as I would hop on one leg trying to dislodge the resistant trouser leg of the other as all my pocket change clanged noisily to the floor!

Regarding post #493, as well as the great illustrations and accompanying text, I enjoyed reading the little article about Howard Hughes in 1947. Thanks again Flanderian!

Glad you enjoy them!

 

[Flanderian]

Here is the first part of Esquire, June 1947:

 

[Flanderian]

And the 2nd and final Part of Esquire, June 1947.

 

[Flanderian]

This is the first part of Esquire, July 1947:

 

[Nobert]

Oh, Good Lord.

 

[Flanderian]

2nd and final part of Esquire, July 1947.

 

[Fading Fast]

How'd she find a deck of cards to perfectly match the color of her dress?

 

[Flanderian]

How'd she find a deck of cards to perfectly match the color of her dress?
View attachment 282527

Perhaps Arnie trying to save on the cost of ink?

By reputation, a frugal rascal!

And this may be a good point to draw attention to the looser, less refined style of the illustration, which becomes almost a signature characteristic of many of their illustrations on into the late '50's when I first became more familiar with them. Though this same style can also be found elsewhere, notably in advertising.

Whether the product of a particular school of illustration, or a particular illustrator, I have no knowledge.

 

[Flanderian]

When I began this thread a few months ago I stated my intent only to offer illustrations through the July 1947 issue of Esquire, the intended topic being Esquire's Golden Age. But defining when this period began and ended is by its nature both subjective and arbitrary, in addition to the term itself being also subjective.

While some early illustrations are regrettably crude, in general I personally find both the clothing depicted, and the illustrations in which it appears most compelling for roughly the first decade of Esquire's publication. And while some, though fewer, still inspire, I find both the clothing and illustrations afterwards less to my personal tastes.

But I also know that others may find those in the period into which we've now entered equally or even more desirable. It is, after all, only subjective. So while I think at lease some of the content still valuable, I will attempt to continue this post for a bit more. Though I do know as the years go on, Esquire constantly evolves, deemphasizes men's style even more from its original focus as the "civilian" version of Apparel Arts. And the illustrations themselves become mainly photos, or crude line drawings, rather the lush and detailed versions that originally appeared.

Below are Esquire's illustrations for August 1947.

 

[Fading Fast]

As it appears we're getting close to the end of our Esquire journey, it's fun to see our old friend the diamond-weave pattern pop up again:

 

[Tiki Tom]

When I began this thread a few months ago I stated my intent only to offer illustrations through the July 1947 issue of Esquire....

Time passes too quickly! 1933 to 1947, I mean. Flandarian, I want to thank you again. This has been the most enjoyable thread that I have experienced in a long time. Esquire, during its golden years, was really an amazing institution. I've enjoyed both the snappy vintage fashion AND the peak into the social customs, transportation, and events of the 30s and 40s. It was almost like being there. Thank you again. Well done and much appreciated. I'm sure I will go back and use this thread as a resource in the future.

 

[Fastuni]

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/attachments/esq084703a-jpg.282786/

Vintage Retro!

 

[Flanderian]

As it appears we're getting close to the end of our Esquire journey, it's fun to see our old friend the diamond-weave pattern pop up again:
View attachment 282851

Missed that! Yes, very nice, and I like the spectators paired with it.

"A skinny man with two-tone shoes."

Time passes too quickly! 1933 to 1947, I mean. Flandarian, I want to thank you again. This has been the most enjoyable thread that I have experienced in a long time. Esquire, during its golden years, was really an amazing institution. I've enjoyed both the snappy vintage fashion AND the peak into the social customs, transportation, and events of the 30s and 40s. It was almost like being there. Thank you again. Well done and much appreciated. I'm sure I will go back and use this thread as a resource in the future.

I'm delighted you've enjoyed it!

It's very satisfying to know others find it as meaningful and enriching as I.

I've a few more to go - I like symmetry. And then I shall cast my gaze a bit into the future, and we'll see what there is to report.

 

[Flanderian]

Esquire, September 1947, first of two parts:

 

[Flanderian]

2nd and final part of September 1947.

 

[Flanderian]

This is the first of two parts of Esquire, October 1947: