20 th CENTURY FASHION HISTORY THE 1920s

Overview: – Historical Overview of the 1920s – What defines this decade’s fashion? – Women’s Fashion – Men’s Fashion – Important Movements of the time – Fashion Icons and Designers – 1920s fashion today

What was happening during the 1920s? – It was considered a time of celebration and often excess – WWI had just ended and Prohibition began in the US – Women were granted the right to vote – First Olympic Winter Games (1924) – Henry Ford announces 40 hour work week- unionization and fair working conditions – Gandhi imprisoned for preaching for mass civil disobedience, non- violence and peaceful resistance – Numerous medical advancements including the discovery of insulin, penicillin, and the iron lung – Gang wars in the US (Al Capone) – Stock Market crashes in 1929 and the Great Depression begins

How do we describe fashion of the 1920s? Bold & opulent Freeing ( non - restrictive ) Fashion-forward & modern

Women’s Fashion Daywear – Short hair – Knee length dresses – Cloche hat – Changing role of women caused fashion to shift substantially Eveningwear – The flapper dress – Beading, fringe – Diverse heels – Clutch purses

Men’s Fashion – The suit was a staple for every man’s wardrobe. The cut was slim, often used neutral colours with pops of vibrancy (usually in the shirt) – Patterning was bold, in particular the use of argyle – Fedoras and porkpie hats – Two-tone oxford shoes – Colourful bowties, neck scarves, gloves, and pocket squares

Popular Art and other movements… – The Charleston- all about celebration and comradery, reflected in fashion and daily lives of all. – The Great Gatsby is published- this novel is considered quintessential of the time, fashion is still replicated to feel “Gatsby-esque” – Women’s right to vote- women’s roles were changing and this was reflected in their clothing – Art Deco- This style, “which above all reflected modern technology, was characterized by smooth lines, geometric shapes, streamlined forms and bright, sometimes garish colours.”

Fashion Icons – Clara Bow (actress), ultimate flapper, quintessential 1920s woman – Colleen Moore (actress), basically invented the “bob” haircut – Louise Brooks (actress), popularized the bob, popularized women’s trousers, openly discussed sexuality

Fashion Designers Coco Chanel – Little black dress – Liberation of women’s fashion, the advent of “casual chic” Also… Elsa Schiaparelli (knitwear, sportswear) Salvatore Ferragamo (shoes!!!)

What examples of 1920s fashion can we see in our modern fashion?

Works cited s Fashion for Men s Fashion: Meet 18 Iconic Women Who Changed Our Style Forever s News, Events, Popular Culture and Prices s Timeline Art Deco