Advertising Through The Ages

I just discovered the Vintage Ad Browser, and I can see many hours being “wasted” scrolling through centuries of marketing messaging on a myriad of products, industries, brands and services. Seriously, they’ve got ads dating back to 1790, all the way up to 2000.

I Love the ’80s

I’m a little bit too young to actually remember the ’80s, but I’m still a huge fan of the site’s ’80s fashion ads. And while even the newer ads look kind of dated already, everything about clothing ads from the decade of decadence screams “look how clever and cool we are!!!!” From their cutesy headlines and playful puns to cheesy design elements and garish colors, ’80s fashion ads are a trainwreck you just can’t tear your eyes away from.

Designer Fashion Ads Are Always In Style

The only style of advertising that doesn’t immediately make you cringe is high-end fashion, which hasn’t changed much: artsy photography and a brand name in the lower corner. But don’t despair; the actual fashion being advertised is still laughable.

My favorite ad is now being proudly displayed on my desk, and may have given me a new motto: “It’s not just whether you win or lose, but how you look playing the game.”