How to Ski, A Guide for the "Dumb"

I grew up in the 1960s and 70s, a time when things were changing rapidly for women.  When I was a little girl, it seemed like the only careers for a woman were that of teacher, nurse or homemaker.  By the time I reached college in 1973, that perception of women’s work was going by the wayside.

Also changing was the idea of women as “helpless.”  Instead of relying on “wiles” young women were learning that they could rely on their own particular set of skills.  This scarf, which was probably thought to be clever in 1962, would not have flown in 1972.  Or would it?  I was completely convinced this scarf was from the early 60s until I found a second signature – that of designer Michaele Vollbracht.  Vollbracht didn’t even finish design school until 1969, and he worked as an illustrator during the 1970s and 80s.

To be honest, I’m not a fan of graphics which portray women as helpless, or dumb, or as sex objects.  I don’t see the appeal of pinups in today’s world, but I can certainly appreciate that they did have a place in history.  The same goes for an object like this one.  I’d be accepting of the scarf as a reflection of the early 1960s, but knowing it is from a later date is just sad.

Other dating clues:  The scarf is made from acetate, and was made in Japan.  It was made by Glentex, which has been closed for a number of years.  My best guess it that this is from the early 1980s.