In 1902, a French trading card manufacturer released this curious batch of playing cards depicting women and their futuristic careers as soldiers, lawyers, journalists, and cigarette-chomping students. But because these cards were designed to titillate, many of these outfits aren't entirely practical — note the firefighter and general's lack of sleeves above. In fact, much of the military regalia pictured wouldn't be handy whatsoever in the battlefield.


The obvious pin-up element aside, there are some fun sartorial choices here. I kind of wish duck hats and pince-nezs were standard issue for all journalists nowadays. Similarly, monocles should be required at any reputable law school. Here are some of the quirkier cards.








[Fantasies Bergeret via Ptak Science Books]