From Cigarettes to Confidence: How Fashion Ads Have Evolved Over the Decades
- brookelatella
- Mar 2, 2025
- 4 min read
Hey everyone! I hope you're all having a fantastic week! Lately, I've been feeling a wave of nostalgia after coming across some vintage fashion advertisements from the 1960s. It's wild how much advertising has shifted over the years, and diving into this topic could be fun (and maybe eye-opening). In this post, I'll check out an ad from back then that definitely wouldn't fly today and compare it to a more modern version of a similar product. How advertising has evolved shows us much about the cultural changes we've experienced in just a few decades.
I came across this cool 1960s Chanel ad. It features a glamorous model holding a cigarette, looking calm and serene in her stylish dress. The ad has that classic vintage fashion vibe, with a luxurious setting, flawless makeup, and a chic outfit. But the cigarette is the standout part of the ad. Back then, smoking was often seen as a sign of sophistication and elegance, especially in fashion ads.
The message is unmistakable: Smoking isn't a fancy, stylish part of life. The ad suggests that if you want to be glamorous, you need a cigarette to complete your look as important as your outfit. This idea was super common in ads in the mid-20th century when smoking was pushed as a sign of class and trendiness.
That kind of ad wouldn't fly today, and it's easy to see why. We all know the health risks of smoking, and making it look fabulous in fashion ads is seen as not just irresponsible but downright risky. These days, everyone's all about promoting healthier lifestyles, and lots of countries have strict rules about modern smoking products. Ads that try to make smoking seem trendy or something to aspire to are outdated and harmful.
Chanel is still a big deal in the fashion and beauty scene today. Check out their latest fragrance ad featuring Margot Robbie. She's lounging next to the perfume bottle, showcasing power and grace. There are no cigarettes anywhere, just Margot's effortless beauty and strength. The vibe is about self-confidence, luxury, and owning who you are.
This ad uses subliminal messaging to suggest that real beauty, confidence, and elegance come from inside you. The fragrance is more like a boost to highlight your natural glow. It celebrates Margot Robbie as an empowering woman, showing that other women can feel strong and beautiful without sticking to old, harmful stereotypes or behaviors.
The most significant difference between the two ads is how each shows beauty and sophistication. In the 1960s Chanel ad, beauty is all about smoking, and it gives off a vibe of chill elegance, with the cigarette acting as a symbol of effortless style. On the other hand, the modern Chanel ad connects beauty to self-expression, empowerment, and confidence, highlighting healthier and more sustainable qualities.
The shift from the old ad to the new one highlights how our views on health, body image, and representation have changed over the years. The ad from the 1960s pushes a pretty unhealthy standard by making smoking look glamorous, while the 2024 ad gives off a much better, more inclusive vibe. Today, the fashion world and ads celebrate diversity and body positivity, and the new Chanel ad captures that spirit!
Looking at these two ads, it's clear that the fashion world has changed a lot. It's time to embrace confidence, inclusivity, and empowerment. Fashion ads make a difference by challenging outdated norms and promoting healthier, more realistic ideals. There's still work to be done, especially regarding diversity and sustainability, but we've made solid progress. What do you all think? Have you noticed any other big shifts in fashion ads over the years? I'd love to chat about whether it's about how ads have evolved or just sharing your favorite fashion brands!
Some blogs to check out!
If you’re into fashion or just want to see how it shapes society, you should definitely check out this blog! Planet in Vogue gives a fresh take on how fashion has evolved, covering everything from the history of iconic trends to today’s push for inclusivity in ads. The blog dives into the latest styles and digs into the cultural shifts that impact the fashion scene. With interesting posts about sustainability and challenging outdated beauty standards, it’s an excellent spot for anyone wanting to stay in the loop and feel inspired. Whether you’re a fashion geek or just casually curious about the connections between style and society, Planet in Vogue is a solid place to start!
If you're curious about how fashion and advertising influence societal norms, watch the blog More Than a Fad. The post "Sex-ism Sells" dives into how the use of sex in ads has changed over time and what that means for how we view gender and identity. This blog looks at old-school advertising methods and points out how the fashion industry can break down negative stereotypes. Please read it and join the discussion!
If you're searching for a blog that dives into creativity, culture, and personal expression, check out FlexEdit. This blog covers all topics, from fashion and art to design and the social issues that impact our lives. Whether you're a creative type, a fashion lover, or just curious about how style and culture mix, FlexEdit has some awesome content that connects with you. So, if you want to get inspired, stay in the know, and explore new ideas, FlexEdit is the spot for you!
If you love diving into imaginative worlds, check out The Paracosm! This blog mixes creative writing, personal thoughts, and incredible content that digs into different parts of life, fantasy, and what it means to be human. Whether you’re into storytelling, art, or reading stuff that challenges you and gets your creativity flowing, The Paracosm has something for you. So, if you want a fresh take and a creative space, The Paracosm is worth a look!
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