Launched Elle magazine in 1945 by Hélène Gordon-Lazareff, characterized as a blend of seriousness and frivolity, with an ironic touch in gravitas matters.
In 1945, just after French women gained the right to vote, Hélène Gordon-Lazareff, a French journalist, founded the groundbreaking magazine *Elle*. This pioneering publication was designed to cater to the needs of modern French women, blending fashion, lifestyle, and serious topics in a modern and practical manner.
Born to a family of Russian exiles, Hélène had gained valuable experience working at *Paris-Soir* and *Marie Claire* in France, and during World War II, she was a journalist in New York for the *New York Times*' women's supplement and *Harper's Bazaar*.[1][3]
The first issue of Elle, which hit newsstands on November 21, 1945, was only twenty-four pages long due to paper rationing. Despite the limitations, the magazine aimed to help French women entertain themselves and dress well despite shortages and rationing tickets. The cover, conceived by Hélène Gordon-Lazareff herself, showcased modernity with a young blonde woman in motion, unlike traditional women's press. The woman on the cover, depicted holding a red cat, was dressed in a top hat and a red, slightly military-style jacket.[1]
Inside the magazine, readers found a mix of fashion, practical advice, news, and culture, all aimed at empowering women in their everyday lives. The magazine's editorial vision was one of "seriousness in frivolity, irony in the grave," combining sophistication with accessibility and covering health, beauty, entertainment, and society.[1][3]
The impact of Elle on French women post-World War II was significant. It provided a new kind of role model and voice for women, blending style and substance. It reached women as they were redefining their identities in a rapidly changing society, offering a space that celebrated femininity without sacrificing intellectual and practical engagement. The magazine helped shape contemporary French women's culture and empowerment by addressing fashion alongside more serious topics, helping women see themselves as modern and multifaceted.[1][4]
Pierre Lazareff, Hélène's husband, directed France-Soir during this time. However, the first issue of Elle was reserved for subscribers, with 93.45% of the article left to read, and the contents of the remaining pages remain undisclosed.[2] Nevertheless, the debut of Elle marked a turning point in the French female press, transforming the industry by combining fashion, societal issues, and feminine empowerment in a new and influential way after the war.[1][3][4]
In the spirit of Hélène Gordon-Lazareff's innovative vision, Elle continued to blend fashion-and-beauty with lifestyle and entertainment, empowering French women through practical advice, cultural insights, and intellectual engagement. This blend of style and substance became a hallmark of modern French women's lifestyle and identity.
