Edna Woolman Chase

Edna Woolman Chase,
editor-in-chief of Vogue (1931)

Edna Woolman Chase (1877–1957) was an American who served as editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine from 1914 to 1952.

Publishing career

Chase's first position at Vogue was working in the mail room. She eventually came to the attention of Arthur Turnure, founding editor of the magazine, who was responsible for her ascent up the corporate ladder. He made her a consultant regarding the direction of the magazine, eventually giving Chase control over the magazine's layout.[1]

During this time, Turnure died and the magazine was in danger of closing. Chase went on the road to persuade people to keep reading the magazine. Condé Montrose Nast took over Vogue in 1909, and after evaluating Chase's contributions to Vogue, he continued his predecessor's sponsorship of her continued prominence in the Vogue magazine employment hierarchy.[1] Chase became managing editor in 1911 which gave her complete control. By 1914, she was named editor-in-chief.

One major contribution to fashion Chase made the same year she was named editor-in-chief was putting on the first fashion show. As a result of World War I, clothing makers closed their rooms in Paris. Since most of the clothes featured in Vogue were from Paris, Chase took matters into her own hands and called dressmakers in New York and had them make clothing to be featured in a show. This prompted other manufacturers to start making clothes in the United States and selling them at moderate prices.[2]

Another major contribution she made to fashion was the Fashion Group International. In 1928 Chase brought together 17 women with high status in the fashion world. The Fashion Group International (formed then but not an official organization until 1930) publicized American fashion and the role of women in the industry. The Fashion Group International is still in business today.[3]

Retirement and autobiography

Chase retired as editor-in-chief of Vogue in 1952.[1] She then took on chairmanship of the editorial board.[1] She wrote her autobiography, Always in Vogue in 1954 with her daughter, actress Ilka Chase.

Death

Chase died in 1957, at the age of 80, of a heart attack.

Awards

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Chase, Edna Woolman; Chase, Ilka (1954). Always in Vogue. Garden City, New York: Doubleday. OCLC 819846720.
  2. ↑ Judy R. Hynes, "Famous Cousins", Woolman Central, (accessed October 14, 2006)
  3. ↑ The Fashion Group International, "Fashion Group History", 2006, (accessed October 2006)
  4. 1 2 Judy R. Hynes, "Famous Cousins", Woolman Central, (accessed October 14, 2006)
Media offices
Preceded by
Marie Harrison		 Editor of American Vogue
1914–1952		 Succeeded by
Jessica Daves

Further reading

  • Current Biography Yearkbook: 1940. New York: H.W. Wilson. 1940.
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