Elegant Miss Detroit: A Glimpse of 1920s Glamour

This photograph features a woman known as Miss Detroit, taken between 1916 and 1920 by the Bain News Service. During this period, Detroit was undergoing significant transformation due to the booming automobile industry, which was reshaping its identity and economy. The image captures a moment in a city that was becoming a hub of innovation and culture, reflecting broader trends in American society at the time.

The use of glass negatives for photography was widespread during these years, offering remarkable clarity and detail. This method allows us to see not just the subject, Miss Detroit, but also the fashion and social trends of the era. The photograph serves as a snapshot of a dynamic period in American history, illuminating how personal and collective identities were being forged in a rapidly changing urban landscape.