The 1920s was a transformative decade of novel expression and experimental style: the era of the flappers, jazz music, and art deco. This was a period in which social movement and artistic invention took center stage, and the spirit of freedom and creativity could be found in every element of life. From fashion to architecture, the unique influences of this decade can still be felt today. Join us as we take an in-depth look at the “Roaring Twenties”.
1. Return to the Roaring Twenties: A Look Back at Its Iconic Style
The Roaring Twenties was a turbulent time of social upheaval and major cultural shifts. It was also an era defined by an iconic style of fashion and art that has become timelessly memorable. From the opulent excess of high society, to the Jazz Age’s wild and creative influences, the Roaring Twenties left its mark on all aspects of life and provides an exciting glimpse into the past.
Hats
One of the most memorable icons of the Twenties were the clothing silhouettes – and particularly the hats. Cloches, headbands, berets, and turbans were all popular trends that were designed to draw the eye and create an elegant, classic look. These hats were usually heavily embellished with feathers, sequins, and even bits of mink fur, often in pastels and soft pinks, greens, and blues, for a distinctly feminine touch.
Silhouettes
The silhouettes of the 1920s were made extra vivid with the introduction of a full array of protective clothing for women. In hues of white, cream, nude, navy, green, and pink, these outfits had a daringly alluring appearance that pushed the boundaries of fashion. Floor length hemlines showed off the latest technologies in fabrics like sheer georgette, velvet, and organza. Long dresses often had short or ruffled sleeves which showed just enough skin to be scandalous.
Accessories
No outfit was complete without the right accessories and jewellery for the roaring twenties look. Beaded purses of various shapes and sizes; drop earrings decorated with geometrical shapes and pearls; encrusted headpieces with geometrical designs; and fur stoles for occasions when one needed to look extra posh and grandeur. All of these accessories were created to be the perfect balance between glamorous and comfortable, and all still remain eye-catching to this day.
2. Jazz: A Symposium of Unique Sounds
Jazz has been described as a layered symphony of unique sounds. To describe the complexity of the genre, we need look no further than its long and multifaceted history. The traditional jazz phrase, “it all boils down to the sound,” carries with it years of experimentation using numerous instrument combinations.
Jazz’s mysterious and improvisational nature has consistently reinvented itself over the decades. The roots of its influence can be felt in musical genres today: jazz-rock, jazz-funk, and more. This versality gives rise to a new layer of flavor with every performance. From the smooth blues-style swing of Miles Davis, to the smooth Latin-style sounds of Lauryn Hill, jazz continues to drive its listeners.
- Exploratory Nature
- Traditional Sounds
Jazz is about exploration. It’s about creativity and expression. Many jazz musicians are classically trained, able to compose complex pieces without ever relying on a single formula. This exploratory nature gives jazz its own unique flavor, often duplicated but never truly replicated. Additionally, jazz includes traditional strings, horns, and percussion, which are still used today.
From its origins as an offshoot of the blues to its modern-day integration into popular music, jazz continues to surprise and delight. The genre encourages musicians to hone their craft, searching for new sounds and new ways to blend them. It’s no wonder that jazz has been captivating music listeners for over a century.
3. Freewheeling Flapper Fashions
The 1920’s was a time of unprecedented change in the fashion industry. The “freewheeling flapper” look turned traditional ideals on their heads, giving women of the time new freedom of expression while simultaneously creating a style that helped define them as a generation. In the flapper fashion, women wore looser dress styles, opted for shorter hemlines, and embraced a more daring look with bright colors and bold patterns.
The flapper look emphasized comfort, with bell-shape skirts, dropped waists, and loose-fitting jerseys taking the place of fitted corsets and restrictive turn-of-the century gowns. With this newfound freedom came statement pieces like fur stoles, flashy heels, and long strands of pearls, creating a sensation that was at once daring and elegant.
women chose to express their gender freedom with clothing like:
- Dropped waists
- Loose-fitted jerseys
- Longer hemlines
- Fitted blazers
These dramatic looks became symbolic of a generation of determined women, and their fashion choices remain relevant to this day.
4. Exuberant Art Deco Aesthetics
Building Beauty
The 1920s and ’30s brought a kaleidoscope of colors, patterns, textures, and materials to architecture. Art Deco architecture was exuberant, flaunting the power and wealth of the Jazz Age. Buildings were adorned with swirling designs and geometric shapes, splashed with vivid colors and asymmetric lines. The new style of architecture was all about opulence and grandeur.
New Materials
The aesthetic was made possible by the materials:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Glass
- Marble
The cold modernity of steel could be warmed up with marble floors, brass accents, and ceramic sculptures. The glass acted as a prism for the sunlight, splitting the light into rainbows around the room.
Symbolism and Identity
Art Deco architecture was a statement, used to communicate a message of boldness and progress. Buildings such as the Chrysler and Empire State buildings held a symbolic importance for the city and its people. The towering edifices were symbols of power but also of accessibility, showcasing modernity for all to see.
Art Deco architecture remains an important part of the American landscape and still captures the imagination of all who experience it. It remains an exuberant reminder of a time of joy and opulence.
The Roaring Twenties gave us more than just flappers, jazz, and art deco style; it gave us a vivid snapshot of a time that still stirs our imaginations today. Even a century after the era, its influence can still be felt in the way we see ourselves, as an era of boundless possibility, and of ushering in unprecedented growth and change for our world.
