Many important things happened in the Roaring Twenties, the spirit of the decade was marked by a general feeling of discontinuity associated with modernity and a break with traditions. It was the decade of Prohibition, Jazz music and Art Deco but more importantly (well in my mind!) it was the decade fashion truly entered the modern era. After the more restricting fashions of past years, such as rigid Victorian style corsets and petticoats, fashion finally became more relaxed, and women began to wear more comfortable clothes such as short skirts and trousers.
The movement was generally led by young ladies who pushed the then social norms by drinking, smoking and wearing then-risqué style clothing and makeup. These fun time girls were known as Flappers and paved the way for what fashion has become today. I salute you ladies!
With last year’s latest film adaptation of The Great Gatsby, the catwalks were fringe-filled and autumn winter 2013 saw the Twenties roar once again. Despite many reservations in director Baz Luhrmann bringing to life one of the greatest American classics of all time, from the amazing cast to the epic soundtrack, I have to say I loved it, however I did love something more… The INCREDIBLE costumes!! From the minute it started I was glued, the clothes, the jewellery, the style. I think I tweeted I was born in the wrong era immediately afterwards!
Although the roaring twenties are well and truly over, thanks to this recent adaptation we’ve seen a definite uptake in flapper frocks, Mary Jane style shoes and Art Deco inspired pieces of jewellery. The trouble is trying to make this look relatively wearable for us every day normal people without it looking like you’re in fancy dress! A mash up of these pieces can make you look like you’re in a costume (not a good look at a drinks party) so I’ve picked out my top 3 Gatsby inspired pieces perfect for the season ahead:
- The obvious Flapper Dress – If you’re not sure what this is think shimmering dresses complete with fringing and sequins. From emerald, jade, topaz, gold or silver. They truly come to life with movement (get you’re dancing shoes on!)
- The Loose Tailored Wide Leg Trouser – Think Coco Chanel, the fashion designer who was responsible for popularizing a more casual, less constricting silhouette, and the actress Marlene Dietrich who pioneered androgynous style. These ladies often adorned beautiful tailored loose fitting wide leg trousers, they defied preconceived notions of femininity and beauty. Of course women can wear trousers and this style can be flattering on many body shapes. Just remember to always balance out the volume and make sure the top half of you is fitted.
- The Enamelled clutch – As all my clients all know, you MUST finish off outfits with the right accessories. You will see plenty of enamel clutches on the high-street this season, go for one with Art deco detailing,
So go ahead, sparkle, shimmer and do the Charleston ladies!
