The Fashion of the 1920's

The 1920's, also known as "The Jazz Age or the Roaring 20's" ushers in a new style of dress. With the introduction to *Art Deco. Fashion was influenced by the structured lines and pyramid shapes from architecture. Fashion during this time can be clearly identified in the style of, the short dropped shoulders dresses popular for this period.

The iconic flapper style debut in 1926. The style included the boyish bob haircuts, short shapeless *shift dresses, short sleek hair and exceedingly flat chest. It was also displayed in the rebellious behavior of wearing and apply make-up in public.

Key Features;

• Dropped waist
• Loose fitting dresses
• Knee length
• Waves in hair
• Headwear, turban style hats, jeweled headbands
• Fringe, beaded fringe

This was a very opulent time for western society and culture. It was period of great prosperity, and it reflected itself in the style if clothing.

This chart is a great depiction of the evolution of fashion throughout the 1920's.

Here Are some images and information from the book Evening Dresses 1900-1940 by Mark Tosa

The "Dance Dress"

Here we have some vintage images from the decade. Note, the sleek dresses with soft waistlines, the headwear and even the kitten heels.

Vintage hairstyle poster, depicting the types of hairstyles popular during that time.

One if the most iconic films hat celebrated this style was the 1974 movie "The Great Gatsby" based on the novel of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This version starred Mia Farrow.

These images are from an exhibit displaying the designs from the remake of the film in 2013. Starring, Carey Mulligan and Leonardo DiCaprio. As we see these are very opulent designs, lots of beading, jewels & feathers.

These design are from a 2016 collection by Eliza Jane Howell. She did an amazing job recapturing the essence of the 1920's fashion.

Key Designers;

• Jean Patou
• Elsa Schiaparelli
• CoCo Chanel
• Jeanne Lavin

Style Icons

• Joesphine Baker

Glossary

Art Deco- characterized by precise and boldly delineated geometric shapes and strong colors.

Shift Dress- A dress which falls straight from shoulders and has darts around the bust. It frequently features a high scoop or boat neckline.