This magazine, published by A. Ponchon during the 1940s, was initially entitled "Silhouettes, collection Bleuet", yet its numbering suggests it may already have been published during the previous decade. In 1941, some issues included legends of models translated in German, meaning this periodical was probably distributed in Germany over this short period. It was published on a monthly basis from 1942 to August 1944, then became a bi-monthly from the January-February 1945 issue. Its format and layout changed several times. René Gruau and Pierre Mourgue were the magazine's main illustrators for several years. While fashion illustration was predominant at the publication's beginnings, black and white photography gradually made its way into the pages in the form of small thumbnails next to the drawings; these were signed by Studio Anzon, Seeberger, Harcourt, Georges Saad and Philippe Pottier. In 1944, photos were published in full and double-page spreads, and the magazine also called on photographers like Schall, Lavoisier, Edgar Elshoud and Nepo. Pride of place was given to women's fashion and to practical information on patterns, with models featured in the inside pages as well as on the back cover. Some issues also included models for men and children, occasionally making it a fashion periodical for all the family. The format and layout changed again with the March-April 1945 issue. The publication aimed to be more high-end, with a more streamlined layout, and also included literary contributors such as Héron de Villefosse and the no less famous fashion columnist and Editor-in-Chief of the "Votre Beauté" magazine, Lucien François, who was also a staunch advocate of French fashion and luxury. The magazine lasted until 1955. The issues dated from 1942 to 1945, making up a practically complete collection and providing a snapshot of Second World War fashion, were selected to be digitized.
Click below to discover the "Silhouettes" fashion magazine flipbooks from 1940 to 1945.