Life, 1890-03-20 · page 15 of 18
Life — March 20, 1890 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily an **advertising page** with one small cartoon at the top. ## The Cartoon The illustration shows two women in a parlor discussing perfumes. The caption reads: "Mistress—Take away all those perfumes. I want nothing in future but a delicious Eau de Cologne." This is a **product endorsement joke**—a common advertising format of the era. The humor is mild: a fashionable woman dismisses expensive imported perfumes in favor of simple eau de cologne, which was apparently a competitor's product being advertised elsewhere. ## The Advertisements The page features luxury goods targeting wealthy women: tailoring services (Fauvel, Kakauer), imported fabrics (Indian poncees, Japanese silks), trunks and bags (Louis Vuitton), and dress goods from Darlington Runk & Co. ## Historical Context This reflects 1890s upper-class fashion culture where imported European goods and custom tailoring were status symbols. The advertisements emphasize "Paris and London styles" and foreign importations—markers of wealth and sophistication for Gilded Age American society. The small humor piece is incidental to the commercial purpose.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
_ LOUIS VUITTON’S S, BAGS and VALISES will be janovations. Sold only at 454 ind 1 Rue Scribe, Paris. Beware OPENINGS. of China aod Japan Bel 1 French and Scotch Dress in Goods, and Scorch Cottons, Novelties in Em- broideries, Novelties in White Muslins. The extravagant and pronounced styles of Dress Fabrics sported last seacon have becn entirely replaced by neat hecks, Stripes, ete. opening will exhibit a large aod handsome stock of eth Elfects specially suitable tor early Spring Costumes. meaies Cheol Sr JON G, WHITTIER sats. eka fae so hitedly teat me Voor tie. Todew, ; 0 ox them will, like mvvelf, beartlly task thee for Bf weer “I am waly thy friend, agin ‘Whiter. THE TADELLA c= PENS TLLareD qe wear 00 1p butted ety is dy from) her; the] Gray # ASK FOR Fauvel. TO LADIES: New York, March 17, 1890. Having had the honor of personally fitting many of the Royal Ladies of Europe, as also ladies of distinction in this country during the past five years, while in the capacity of first fitter at Redfern's, I would respectfully announce that in compliance with the oft-repeated request of many Sashionable ladies of New York, I have started in business for myself, and leased the commodious premises, No. 321 FIFTH AVENUE (opening on Monday, March the 17th). J shall employ the best skilled labor, and use noth- ing but the best Imported materials, and will guar- antee an absolutely faultless Cut and Fit, the work- manship and general finish of the highest order of excellence and at prices consistent only with fair profit. Soliciting the favor of your patronage, with great- est respect, OWEN FAUVEL, LADIES’ TAILOR AND HABIT MAKER, gat Fifth Avenue, New York, bast side, above z2d Street. “Hap you a good view on the Rigi, Herr Lieu- tenant?" “Yes, magnificent! Had three splendid girls sitting opposite to me at the dinner table.""—//umor- tetische latter. Ladies’ Tailor, 301 FIFTH AVE., Near 36th St., N. Solicits now an inspection of his Spring Novelties, comprising latest designs in cloths of new shades and light weights. Latest models of Parisian and London styles. Gowns, Jackets, Coats, and Trav- eling Outfits, new colors for Riding Habits made perfect in fit. Orders from ladies residing out of New York receive prompt at- tention, and are guaran- teed entire satisfaction. a Ladies’ Tailor and Dressmaking. Foreign (mportations arriving every steamer. Riding Habits, Coaching’ and Hunting Suits, Send for estimates of our English Luncheon Gowns. Samples by mail. 27 East 20th Street. Ainold, Constable & Co. INDIA PONCEES, CORAHS. New importations of these desirable fabrics in very choice colors and patterns. JAPANESE STRIPE SILKS, For Summer Wear. Broadway & 19th St. HOCOLATE MENIER IT EVERYWHERE comicbooks.com