Wow, I never knew about this crazy history fact! “Banner Ladies” were a phenomenon believed to have been devised during the 1870’s. Businesses across the United States would drape young women head to foot in items they sold. They were basically human billboards and some of these items were actual items that were sold. Can you imagine walking around wearing a clock on your head and having silverware pinned to your dress and skirt? How about pharmacy goods or actual shaving mugs, or even large electric light bulbs? Imagine wearing funnels or a miniature chair on your head, or even a specially made bread hat. I just hope that there wasn’t that many birds around when outside with that bread hat. I do hope that these young ladies were paid well for walking around and advertising the wares that adorned their dresses. Here are some examples of Banner Ladies:

(via: Geek Girls)