feminist advertising

Retro Ad of the Week: Trans World Airlines, 1953

While we have featured this TWA ad as our Retro Ad of the Week in the past, we found it incredibly fitting with the Women’s March on Washington and the 616 Sister Marches happening this Saturday. Today, the goal is to show solidarity in the belief that women’s rights are human rights. But back in 1953 it was a little trickier. TWA wanted to portray a changed outlook, highlighting their ability to broaden horizons for women with the possibility of solo travel. Imagine, a life outside the home! While this may seem trivial today, it was not common to see feminism in travel ads (or any type of ad) in the 1950’s. In fact, you were much more likely to see the opposite. But TWA had the boldness to ask: Who says it’s a man’s world?

FUN FACT: The iconic and historic TWA terminal at JFK Airport is being turned into a 505-room hotel after sitting idle for over 15 years. Made to “usher in the Jet Age,” the distinctively designed building was the center of many pop culture moments for years. The renovation is due to be finished in late 2018. (Source: Travel+Leisure)

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