The Fedora Lounge Guide to Esquire Men's Fashion, 1933-1948, By Flanderian

[Flanderian]

This is the first part of Esquire, July 1947:

 

[Flanderian]

2nd and final part of Esquire, July 1947.

 

[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.

 

[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:

 

[Flanderian]

This is the 2nd and final part of Esquire, October 1947.

 

[Flanderian]

This is part 1 of 2 for November 1947.

 

[Flanderian]

2nd and final part of Esquire, November 1947.

 

[Flanderian]

These are the December 1947 Esquire illustrations.

May those that celebrate the day have a happy Thanksgiving!

As many likely know, the last 3 Thanksgiving themed illustrations are by the incomparable illustrator, J. C. Leyendecker. And though they did not originate in Esquire, I took the liberty of including them in honor of the holiday. They likely first appeared in The Saturday Evening post, for which Leyendecker was long a star illustrator.

 

[Flanderian]

These are Esquire's January 1948 illustrations.

 

[Flanderian]

These are Esquire's February 1948 illustrations.

 

[Flanderian]

These are Esquire's March 1948 illustrations.

 

[Flanderian]

I have secured some additional Esquire illustrations. But as we continue with the April 1948 issue, I'll repeat my earlier observation that I personally find the styles that have emerged beyond the era that many have termed the Golden Age of men's style. But I know many/some here do enjoy them, and I still find the evolution of style of note, and so shall continue for a bit more.

These are all from Esquire April 1948. Part 1:

This first illustration is a classic! Not for the style it depicts, or the superiority of its art work. But upon first seeing it, I literally blinked my eyes, and seeing no change, rubbed them, as I could not believe I was reading what may have been the most unfortunate brand name in the history of men's merchandising.

We resume our original programming -

 

[Flanderian]

This is the balance of the April 1948 issue.

 

[Flanderian]

This is part 1 of 2 of Esquire May 1948.

 

[Flanderian]

Part 2 of 2 of Esquire May 1948.

 

[Flanderian]

These are part 1 of 2 of June 1948.

Through the years, in various precincts, I've read endless questions from prospective bridegrooms concerning proper wedding attire; white or black T-shirt? Half-tuck or untucked?

Fortunately, we have Esquire circa 1948 to balm our worries.

 

[Flanderian]

The is the balance of Esquire, June 1948.

 

[Flanderian]

Here are Esquire July 1948's slim offerings.

Not on this misshapen old bod!