A lot has changed in both fashion and culture here in America–despite the fact that we cling to our history and love the vintage appeal. The Miss America contest puts a lot of pressure on women in our society to look their absolute best. And overall, the fashion statements have changed. Ruth Malcomson was Miss America 1924, and this image from the Library of Congress is perhaps one of her most famous. But this other image shows her to be a leggy beaut. Mallory Hagan is Miss America 2013, and some of her widely circulated images show her during the contest: especially during the swimsuit portion.
It’s interesting to see how both fashion statements and priorities in the photo world have changed due to our culture’s evolution in values. That isn’t to say that we’re all about skin now, but in things surely do change.