Edna Woolman Chase (; March 14, 1877 — March 21, 1957)
was an American who served as editor-in-chief of ''
Vogue
Vogue may refer to:
Business
* ''Vogue'' (magazine), a US fashion magazine
** British ''Vogue'', a British fashion magazine
** ''Vogue Arabia'', an Arab fashion magazine
** ''Vogue Australia'', an Australian fashion magazine
** ''Vogue China'', ...
'' magazine from 1914 to 1952.
Early life
Chase was born on March 14, 1877 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Franklyn Allaway and Laura Woolman.
After her parents divorced, Chase was raised by her
Quaker grandparents. She moved in with her mother in New York as a teenager.
In 1902, she married Francis Dane Chase, who was a merchant, dry goods salesman, and later manager of the Hotel Colonial in New York. They had a daughter, actress
Ilka Chase
Ilka Chase (April 8, 1905 – February 15, 1978) was an American actress, radio host, and novelist.
Biography
Born in New York City and educated at convent and boarding schools in the United States, England, and France, Chase was the only child ...
. Her husband had trouble supporting the family, and Chase eventually divorced him.
She later married engineer Richard Newton in 1921.
Publishing career
Chase's first position at ''Vogue'' was working in the mail room. She worked her way up through the art and make-up departments.
When
Condé Montrose Nast
Condé is a French place name and personal name. It is ultimately derived from a Celtic word, "Condate", meaning "confluence" (of two rivers) - from which was derived the Romanised form "Condatum", in use during the Roman period, and thence to t ...
took over ''Vogue'' in 1909, he asked Chase to continue writing under her married name, even though she was divorced. In 1911, he made her managing editor of the magazine and gave her complete control.
In 1914, Nast named her editor-in-chief, a position she would hold until 1952.
One major contribution to fashion Chase made the same year she was named editor-in-chief was putting on the first fashion show. As a result of World War I, clothing makers closed their rooms in Paris. Since most of the clothes featured in ''Vogue'' were from Paris, Chase took matters into her own hands and called dressmakers in New York and had them make clothing to be featured in a show. This prompted other manufacturers to start making clothes in the United States and selling them at moderate prices.
Another major contribution she made to fashion was the
Fashion Group International The Fashion Group International (FGI) is a global, non-profit, professional organization founded in 1930 in New York City to benefit the fashion industry. FGI currently has over 5000 members in the fashion industry including apparel, accessories, b ...
. In 1928 Chase brought together 17 prominent women in the fashion world. The Fashion Group International (formed then but not an official organization until 1930) publicized American fashion and the role of women in the industry. The Fashion Group International is still in business today.
[The Fashion Group International]
"Fashion Group History"
2006 (accessed October 2006)
Retirement and autobiography
Chase retired as editor-in-chief of ''Vogue'' in 1952.
She then took on chairmanship of the editorial board.
She wrote her autobiography, ''Always in Vogue'' in 1954 with her daughter.
Death
Chase died of
heart attack
A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to the coronary artery of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort which ma ...
while on vacation in
Sarasota
Sarasota () is a city in Sarasota County on the Gulf Coast of the U.S. state of Florida. The area is renowned for its cultural and environmental amenities, beaches, resorts, and the Sarasota School of Architecture. The city is located in the sou ...
, Florida on March 21, 1957, at the age of 80.
Awards
*
Legion of Honour
The National Order of the Legion of Honour (french: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), formerly the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour ('), is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. Established in 1802 by Napoleon ...
[Judy R. Hynes, "Famous Cousins", Woolman Central]
(accessed October 14, 2006
*Named Key Woman of the Year by the Federation of Jewish Philanthropists
References
Further reading
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chase, Edna Woolman
1877 births
1957 deaths
People from Asbury Park, New Jersey
Vogue (magazine) editors
Fashion editors