Pope, Virginia

(1885-1978)

   Considered by many in the fashion world as the first serious fashion journalist, Pope was a fashion editor for the New York Times (1925-1955). In 1934, she began covering the Paris haute couture collections and in addition to her fashion column, produced the first live fashion presentation in 1942 called The Fashion of the Times, specifically aimed at showcasing American fashion. Her coverage featured the business of fashion and Pope regularly reported on the growth of the wholesale and retail marketplaces. In 1955, she joined Parade magazine as fashion editor. She was also known as the grand dame of American fashion.

   See also American look.