Merry Christmas, everybody! While it is not technically my holiday, I still adore Christmas – the songs, the movies, and all things Peppermint! While we get ever closer to yet another year, I thought I would take all of you on a lovely trip down memory lane (it IS the most fashionable street, after all) to the 1920′s. One of my favorite eras, sartorially and otherwise, I am outrageously excited for Baz Luhrman‘s take on The Great Gatsby coming out next year and for the sure to follow resurgence in flapper fashion! So, join me in celebrating this amazing era, won’t you?
The Movies
The 1920′s saw the vast expansion of Hollywood and movie-going as a popular pastime. Both the films and theaters were grand, opulent, and attracted a sophisticated crowd looking for entertainment. For most of the decade, it was silent films that reigned supreme until sound and, later, music appeared in 1926. Also in the ’20s, the International Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences began their presentation of a little awards show called The Academy Awards.
The Music
Between prohibition and speakeasies, there was a clear division between what was considered ‘proper’ in the 1920′s. Known as The Jazz Age, the Twenties was when jazz and jazz-inspired dance music began to rise in popularity. Female flappers liked to shimmy and shake on the dance floor, mixing up traditional gender roles in the process.
The Stars
The Fashion
A grand departure from the buttoned-up and down 19th century, the 1920′s brought fashion into the modern era. Women, along with their desire for political and social freedoms, also desired a less strict dress code. They began wearing pants, looser and shorter dresses, masculine-inspired styles, and opulent accessories. Classic flapper dresses were functional, comfortable and allowed women to express themselves on and off the dance floor. There was a definite movement away from what was considered ‘right’, as women began to excogitate their own social and aesthetic codes.
Shop It:
Dana, all through my childhood I wished I was born in the 20′s .. I loved the excitement and most of all the Charleston … my very favorite dance. I remember every single name that was mentioned and you put a smile on my face. The theater marquee brought back the memories when there was always a double feature! You brought me back to my youth and for that I thank you.
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT BLOG.
I THINK THAT MY MOTHER-IN-LAW IS ONE OF THE GALS IN THE BATHING SUIT PHOTO.
THANKS FOR TAKING MY DOWN MEMORY LANE.
IT AMAZES ME HOW MUCH YOU KNOW AND HOW MUCH YOU’RE INTERESTED IN. YOU ARE SUCH A WONDERFUL WRITER AND IT’S JUST THE BEGINNING FOR YOU.