Getting Back into a Vogue Life

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I haven't had much time to write but it has come to my attention that more time has to be put into my interests and less time on frivolous matters. So once again I will ramble on about the beauty and allure of the Fashion world.

So here's a little history lesson:

The Four hundred were the 400 people who were invited to Mrs. Astor's Winter Ball in the 1890's. The Winter Ball was given by the wife of the millionaire William Backhouse Astor Jr. The maximum amount of people who fit in their mansion on 5th Avenue was 400 and these were always the most influential, wealthy, stylish NY socialites. Being invited to Mrs. Astor's Ball was a vital social issue and an invitation was based on one's elegance, decorum and proven social graces, in addition to money by Mr. Ward McAllister.

For those who are very curious, the list of invitees for the 1982 February Ball is here:

http://www.raken.com/american_wealth/encyclopedia/Mrs_Astors_400.asp

Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt in the 1900's

Vogue was born in 1892 to be a mirror of the Four Hundred. To recount the most influential socialite's of NY's habits, leisure activities, social gatherings, places they frequented, and clothing they wore. Vogue's target was the Four Hundred and everyone who wanted to look like them, act like them, and enter their exclusive circle.

The creator of Vogue was Arthur Baldwin Turnure on December 17th, 1982 as a weekly gazette. He was a friend of said 400 and with their help, Vogue got exclusive access to the homes and wardrobes of the elite, which gave them ad advantage over other Fashion publications. The idea for the name Vogue was given by the then editor in chief Josephine Redding.

Vogue means: the mode or fashion prevalent at any particular time; popular reception, repute, or estimation.

In 1909 Conde Nast bought Vogue and made it into the most important publishing houses in the world. "More than merely a symbol of glamour and frivolity, Vogue became a publishing icon with a lasting impact on journalism and on culture in general. Vogue made and makes history."

Source: In Vogue, Angeletti and Oliva, Rizzoli NY