“Stop Traffic – Go Spring Fashion”

Fredrick’s of Hollywood Spring Fashions, 1965

It shocked me to learn Fredrick’s of Hollywood is still around. It shocked me to learn they were once the largest purveyor of lingerie until Victoria’s Secret came around. It shocked me to look at these pages and see the ancient sexism and tawdry attitudes expressed inside.

I mean, just look at the leering men’s faces on the cover. Look at the ridiculous headlines. Look at that towering hair. Look at those impossible figures. It’s like some nightmare episode of “Mad Men.”

I won’t have you look at the inflatable brassieres – we’ll stick to the tamer pages this time around.

Would you be surprised to find out that this particular copy of the catalog was addressed to a man? Maybe not.