History of fashion magazines goes hundreds of years back. The first magazine was created by a man for men in 1672. A magazine of literary-critical content "Gallant Mercury" was started in French Lyon. "Gallant Mercury" was the prototype of the modern glossy magazine, albeit targeted primarily for men.
Soon enough fashion magazine fever spread across Europe, and 16 years later, in 1693, the first specialized magazine for women, "Ladies' Mercury" appeared in London. It was founded by English publisher and journalist John Delton.
In his address to the readers in the first issue, the editor openly declared that his magazine will respond to the most charming and entertaining issues related to love, marriage, behaviors, fashion and women's humor. It was this edition that first featured the famous column of questions and answers where the readers would send a letter to the editor and discuss their every day and love problems.