Retro read: Take a look at the Australian Women’s Weekly covers from the 1930s through to today

1930s

With the rumblings of war in the distance, the Weekly was launched in 1933 as a magazine to “help with home worries, personal worries, social and dress difficulties”.

The first issues, covered by a painting of an Amelia Earhart-esque figure boasted the latest gossip, swimsuits and dances, alongside articles on etiquette and smoking at the dinner table.

1940s

The Weekly of the 40s, trying to boost morale in wartime, was filled with chin-up ‘can do’ articles, tips on how to write to your soldier and rousing calls for servicewomen in the W.A.A.A.F. The latest trends included military style jackets, ‘little hats’, and a new American Colour (chillibean)!

1950s

Swinging into the 50s, The Weekly went bold with a daring shot of silver screen siren Marilyn Monroe and articles that showed you how to go from a “plump little thing” to a “streamlined, poodle-cut and vivacious”.

1960s

From Jackie O to Audrey Hepburn, The Weekly of the 60s was all about big eyes, the Beatles, and Bond (James Bond). The pages were lined with gossips, weddings, and Royals.

1970s

Embracing flower power and Farrah Fawcett flicks, The Weekly published bold articles (“Is it Love or Is It Sex?”, “Women and Porn”), exclusives with Germaine Greer and the latest “flamboyant fashion”.

1980s

Obsessed with soaps and their stars, an issue of The Weekly in ’83 would be filled to the brim with TV guides, episode play-by-plays, dramatic Royal weddings, baby pictures of princes and princesses and exclusive interviews with top Australian women.

1990s

The 90s saw Aussie favourites Elle Macpherson and Ita Buttrose push out the old guard of Liz Taylor and Sophia Loren, and heartbreaking coverage of the death of the “People’s Princess”, Diana.

2000s

Ushering in the new century, The Weekly‘s new bold and bright look complemented its bold and bright attitude. The Sydney Olympics were held and Australians like Nicole, Hugh, Cate and Russell were making it big overseas.

2010s

All about the modern woman, The Weekly put the spotlight on real women and their stories in the 10s all while keeping up with the latest Royal news. After all, it was the decade Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex joined the family.

2020s

Now the world is firmly in the digital age, The Weekly continues to shine a light on game-changing women in Australia and around the world, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who in 2022 celebrates 70 years on the throne.