The fashion history of the beloved Morton salt girl

 

One key factor that companies and businesses like to consider when formulating an advertisement is the influence of trends and fashion. We see examples of this at Mattel for Barbie or the evolution of IOS. Brands use the world around them to design their products in a way that is most likely to sell. Barbie stays popular with hair trends and latest fashion designs, and Apple collects data from most sold models to fuel their newest make. One company that uses the influence of trending fashion to expand their economy is Morton Co. and the Morton salt girl.

The Morton salt girl is one of the most famous staples in American history. You might have seen her on the cover of your salt container while cooking or trying to kill a slug. She first appeared in 1914 on the all- blue container along with the old slogan It Pours. This was advertised because the company valued the free-flowing quality of its salt. Other renditions of this quote were ‘it never rains but pours’ and “flows freely”. It was decided that ‘When it rains it pours’ advertised these qualities best and from then on, the Morton salt girl and famous slogan appeared together.

Through the decades the look of the Morton salt girl changed a lot. When she first appeared, the Morton salt girl was drawn in black and white (no color), had curly short hair, held a large umbrella while standing in the rain and was dressed in the casual wear of kids in the early 1900s. The whole illustration reminds me of an early depiction of the character ‘Annie’ (1982). And the fashion statements were (in my opinion) Non-existent.

In the 1920s, They changed her hair from curly, short and blonde to short, straight and brown hair. One important factor to consider was the roaring 20s. Bob cuts were popular and extravagant bows were a statement. Morton Co didn’t dive deep into the roaring 20’s, but we can promptly hit at the influence of the Era.

In 1933, The staples hair went from straight to, once again, curly or puffy. The color of the umbrella was a little darker and the pour of the salt flowed easier compared to any of the pictures before it. Though these changes were still subtle and easy to miss, one could infer Morton Co’s goal was to improve the overall illustration of the picture. But she’s still in her Sunday’s best and trudging through the dreadful weather.

 

1941: Instead of her usual Annie vibe, she’s given pigtails along with the surprising addition of a bright, popping yellow. Her Sunday best has undergone a few important revisions. There are Polka dots everywhere and puffy arm holes that show the growth of Morton Co. tremendously (It adds to the happy atmosphere of the child.) I think out of all the versions, this one considers the aspect of a kid a lot more. She’s happier and her outfit shows it!

1956: We get the 50’s vibe here. There is a thickness to the dress that reminds me of a ball gown. I read about this tool called ‘candy canes’ that was used in the 50s to give dresses a ‘ballroom’ look. It was a handy tool used by women to make their dresses look fashionable for events and such. The edges of her wardrobe are decorated with the simple yet favored style of the 1950s. Personally, these revisions don’t show much development from 1941, but I suppose the most important rule of business at that time was to stick to the trends. However, the yellow feels rejuvenating and fresh. And I love the new design of the dress.

Author: Elayjah Earles

My name is Elayjah Earles, and I love being alive. Every feeling that being alive produces isn't nice but it's necessary and I cherish it. Writing for me is capturing those feelings, the best ones. The ones that make you smile in the mirror. And at times the worst ones. I like fictional/nonfictional characters that I can find myself in or people I know of.

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