Chatelaine, the Canadian women’s lifestyle magazine that is just about as Canadiana as maple syrup or complaining about the weather, just turned 85. To celebrate this fabulous fete, we have collected a cover from each decade the publication has been in print (spanning over 10 decades) to showcase not only its amazing history but also to revisit some of the issues and pop icons relevant to Canadian women of the time.
Chatelaine February 1929: “The high cost of sickness”
Clearly this was published in pre-free-healthcare, Mad Max badlands Canada. The painted cover with the parrot is beautiful though.
Chatelaine June 1931: “If you were engaged to the Prince of Wales”
Even if Kate is just about to birth the heir, this is still a relevant fantasy. Who wouldn’t want to be the next Camilla?
Chatelaine September 1949: “You’re Lucky to Have a Man of Your Own”
Two cheers for mid-twentieth century feminism.
Chatelaine August 1952: “Salads Men Like,” “How many lives do you lead?” and “The woman behind Churchill”
Chatelaine transitions from painted covers into photography with this shot of levitating legumes. Creative genius.
Chatelaine November 1966: “Can Canada afford college-educated housewives?” and “What young marrieds think about money, working wives and shared housework”
A half century later, women now represent 60% of university graduates. PROGRESS.
Chatelaine July 1976: Margaret Trudeau’s own pictures at Harrington Lake” and “Marriage reform: new rules on alimony, chastity and prosperity”
Has there ever been a beautiful family portrait of Stephen Harper’s clan like this? Rhetorical question. That said, Justin Trudeau (far left) has been adorable literally his entire life.
Chatelaine January 1988: “k.d. lang, country music star, Woman of the Year ’88,” and “High school reunions: yes, you can go back”
Twenty-five years ago, this what Canada’s Woman of the Year wore on the cover of a leading magazine. Oooh, the 80s…
Chatelaine November 1996: “Sarah McLachlan, from folkie to chart buster,” and “TV chefs: their star recipes”
Head-to-toe dyed leather. Oooh, the 90s…
Chatelaine January 2000: “The future is yours”
Wasn’t new millennium optimism so great? Now everything is all, “The zombie apocalypse is gonna happen. Accept it.”
Chatelaine July 2013: “85 Extraordinary Years”
Amen.