Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), often hailed as the “Bible of fashion,” has been a cornerstone in the fashion industry since its inception on July 13, 1910. Founded by Edmund Fairchild, WWD emerged as an extension of the menswear journal Daily News Record. Over the years, it has evolved into a vital source of information and intelligence on the ever-changing trends and breaking news in the men’s and women’s fashion, beauty, and retail industries.
WWD’s readership is a diverse mix of retailers, designers, manufacturers, marketers, financiers, media executives, advertising agencies, socialites, and trend makers. The publication is the flagship of Fairchild Media, which is owned by Penske Media Corporation. In April 2015, WWD transitioned from a daily print format to a weekly print format, supplemented by a daily digital edition. By 2017, the focus shifted even more towards digital, with print issues reserved for fashion weeks and other significant events.
The history of WWD is rich and storied. Edith Rosenbaum Russell served as the first Paris correspondent, and the publication quickly gained a foothold in the New York clothing industry, thanks to its influential advertisers. John B. Fairchild, who became the European bureau chief in 1955 and the publisher in 1960, played a pivotal role in elevating WWD’s status. He shifted the focus to the human side of fashion, spotlighting the social scenes of designers and their clients, and fostering a “cult of celebrity” around designers.
Fairchild’s tenure was marked by a mix of innovation and controversy. He was known for his aggressive tactics to boost circulation, such as publishing photos and sketches of new designs despite restrictions from designers. His approach often led to legendary feuds with prominent designers like Hubert de Givenchy, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, and Giorgio Armani. These feuds sometimes resulted in designers banning WWD reporters from their shows or refusing to speak to them.
Despite the controversies, WWD maintained its influence and continued to shape the fashion industry. In 1999, Fairchild Publications was sold to Advance Publications, the parent company of Condé Nast Publications. This acquisition made WWD a unit of Condé Nast, though it operated separately from other Condé Nast consumer publications like Vogue and Glamour.
In November 2010, WWD celebrated its 100th anniversary with a grand event at Cipriani in New York, attended by fashion luminaries such as Alber Elbaz, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors. This milestone underscored WWD’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in the fashion world.
The next significant change came in August 2014, when Condé Nast sold WWD to Penske Media Corporation (PMC). The sale included WWD’s sister publications Footwear News, Menswear, M Magazine, and Beauty Inc, as well as Fairchild’s events business. The acquisition by PMC marked a new chapter for WWD, with a renewed focus on digital content and a strategic partnership with Tribune Publishing Company to distribute WWD content through select newspapers like the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune.
WWD’s journey from a daily print publication to a digital-first platform reflects the broader shifts in the media landscape. The publication has adeptly navigated these changes, maintaining its relevance and authority in the fashion industry. Its commitment to providing timely and insightful coverage of fashion trends, industry news, and the personalities that shape the fashion world has ensured its continued success.
As WWD continues to evolve, it remains a vital resource for anyone involved in the fashion industry. Its blend of in-depth reporting, trend analysis, and coverage of key events makes it an indispensable tool for fashion professionals. Whether through its digital editions, special print issues, or events, WWD continues to set the standard for fashion journalism.
In conclusion, Women’s Wear Daily’s rich history and ongoing evolution highlight its significance in the fashion industry. From its early days as a menswear journal to its current status as a digital-first publication, WWD has consistently provided valuable insights and information to its readers. As the fashion industry continues to change, WWD’s commitment to excellence ensures that it will remain a trusted source of fashion news and trends for years to come.
Source: The New York Times, AdWeek, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Infoplease.com, Rescu.com.au, USA Today
