Airline stewardess, in the years after World War II, became one of the most celebrated symbols of American femininity, idolized everywhere. Personification of America’s perfect woman, stewardesses appeared on magazine covers, starred in ad campaigns for every kind of product, lectured in schools and even served as official hostess at the White House.
Young, beautiful, unmarried, intelligent, charming, slim, the stewardess was literally a jet-setting career women who inspired young girls everywhere, ambassador of femininity bridging the gap between the ‘50s idealized impeccable housewife, a quintessential wife-to-be and the ‘60s career women. And when her influence grew, she paved the way for 1970 feminism.
If you want to explore the mythic icon of stewardesses we suggest you to read the book The Jet Sex: Airline Stewardesses and the Making of an American Icon by historian and journalist Victoria Vantoch,
In the meanwhile enjoy a selection of vintage advertising featuring these female icons.
Ellen Church the first stewardess – 1930