The Roaring Twenties was a decade of decadence, glamour, and extravagance.
It was a period where fashion art deco design flourished showcasing the newfound freedom and optimism that emerged after the end of World War I.
Fashion was at the forefront of women’s clothing during the 1920s These young, modern women redefined fashion with their short skirts, bobbed hair, and daring attitudes. Flappers embraced a more liberating style of dress, rejecting the restrictive corsets and long hemlines of the past. Instead, they opted for loose-fitting dresses that allowed for ease of movement as they danced the night away in jazz clubs and speakeasies.
One of the key elements of flapper fashion was the shift dress, a straight-cut, sleeveless garment that hung loosely from the shoulders and fell just below the knee. This silhouette became synonymous with the carefree spirit of the era and was often embellished with intricate beadwork, fringe, and sequins. Flapper accessories were equally important, with long strands of pearls, cloche hats, and feather boas adding the finishing touches to a flapper’s ensemble.
Art Deco design also played a significant role in shaping the aesthetic of the Roaring Twenties. Characterized by geometric shapes, bold colours, and stylized motifs, Art Deco reflected the modernity and dynamism of the era. Art deco left its mark on every aspect of life in the 1920s, from architecture to interior design to fashion.
In fashion, Art Deco motifs could be seen in the intricate beadwork and embellishments of flapper dresses, as well as in the bold patterns and colours of silk scarves and ties.
Jewellery also embraced the art deco aesthetic, with pieces featuring geometric shapes, vibrant gemstones, and intricate metalwork. The combination of flapper fashion and art deco design created a sense of elegance and sophistication that defined the style of the Roaring Twenties.
Transitioning into the 1920s, women began to embrace a more masculine silhouette, with straighter, looser-fitting clothing that allowed for greater freedom of movement. Instead, women opted for sleek, streamlined garments that emphasized their natural figures.
As the decade progressed, hemlines continued to rise, reaching just below the knee by the mid-1920s. This shift in fashion was a direct response to the changing roles of women in society. With greater independence and autonomy, women no longer felt the need to conform to traditional standards of modesty and propriety. Instead, they embraced a more relaxed and carefree attitude towards fashion and self-expression.
Flapper fashion and art deco design were not only about aesthetics but also about social change.
The embrace of more androgynous styles and the rejection of traditional gender norms reflected a shift towards greater equality between the sexes.
Women were no longer content to be seen as mere ornaments; they wanted to be active participants in society and express their individuality through their clothing and accessories.
The Roaring Twenties was a time of profound social, cultural, and artistic change.
Flapper fashion and Art Deco design were emblematic of this era, reflecting the newfound sense of liberation and modernity that defined the decade.
From the rebellious spirit of the flapper to the sleek sophistication of Art Deco, the style of the 1920s continues to inspire and captivate us today.
Chapter Two
Great Depression Chic: Thrift and Subtle Sophistication in the 1930s
