For over a century, Women’s Wear Daily has been a pioneer in the fashion industry, setting the standard for trade publications and breaking new ground with each passing year. From its humble beginnings in 1910 to its current status as the leading source of fashion news and analysis, WWD has continuously evolved and adapted to the ever-changing landscape of the fashion world. And one of its most notable achievements is the publication of one of the industry’s first dictionaries designed specifically for the trade.
Founded in 1910 by Edmund Fairchild, Women’s Wear Daily was initially a daily newspaper that covered the women’s fashion industry. It quickly gained popularity among designers, retailers, and other industry professionals, who relied on its timely and accurate reporting to stay informed about the latest trends and developments. As the fashion industry grew and evolved, so did WWD, expanding its coverage to include men’s fashion, beauty, and retail news.
In 1927, WWD made history by becoming the first publication to feature a photograph on its cover, a groundbreaking move that would become the norm in the years to come. The publication continued to innovate and set trends, introducing the concept of “fashion forecasting” in the 1930s, predicting upcoming trends and styles based on market research and analysis. This revolutionary approach to fashion reporting solidified WWD’s position as the go-to source for industry professionals.
But it wasn’t until 1950 that WWD achieved one of its most significant milestones – the publication of the first fashion dictionary designed specifically for the trade. The WWD Dictionary of Fashion, written by Mary Brooks Picken, was a comprehensive guide to the terminology and jargon used in the fashion industry. It included over 10,000 entries, covering everything from fabric types and garment construction to fashion designers and retailers. This groundbreaking publication was an invaluable resource for fashion professionals, providing them with a common language and understanding of the industry.
Over the years, the WWD Dictionary of Fashion has been updated and revised to keep up with the ever-changing fashion landscape. It has become an essential tool for fashion students, designers, and industry professionals, providing them with a comprehensive and authoritative reference guide. The dictionary has also been translated into multiple languages, further solidifying WWD’s global influence and reach.
In addition to its pioneering dictionary, WWD has also been at the forefront of digital innovation. In 1994, it launched its website, making it one of the first fashion publications to have an online presence. This move allowed WWD to reach a wider audience and provide real-time updates and coverage of fashion events and news.
Today, WWD continues to be a leader in the fashion industry, providing in-depth coverage and analysis of the latest trends, collections, and business developments. Its annual events, such as the WWD Beauty Summit and WWD Retail Summit, bring together industry leaders and experts to discuss and shape the future of fashion.
As we celebrate WWD’s 115-year history, it’s clear that the publication’s impact and influence on the fashion industry cannot be overstated. From its early days as a daily newspaper to its current status as a digital powerhouse, WWD has continuously evolved and adapted to meet the needs of its readers. And with its pioneering dictionary, WWD has not only provided a valuable resource for fashion professionals but has also cemented its place in fashion history. Here’s to many more years of innovation and success for Women’s Wear Daily.
