Fashion Frenzy begins in the Twenties

In my search for a unique fashion article, a thought came to mind about the fashion industry in the 1920’s and 1930’s.  The reason I chose this era, is my grandparents were born in the 1920’s. Since my thoughts always drift to the fashion industry, this led me to the search for fashion history and how it has evolved over the last century.

Fashion in the 1920’s

Women's fashion in 1920’s was the beginning of a liberated, free-spirited woman.  The fashion for these “liberated” women included flappers, short skirts,  and make-up. The flapper style symbolized a youthful and boyish style, as young women were changing the popular curves from earlier generations.  The shorter skirts meant women were now dressing to their heart’s desire, and not to what society felt women’s fashion should be.

Greta Garbo

Louise Brooks

The 1920’s was a social rebellion which was illustrated by women through  fashion.  This article (Flapper magazine), published in June 1922, is titled  Psychology of Knees.  In a humorous way the article announces  “for the first time since civilization began, the world is learning that girls, women , females, maidens and damsels have knees”.   As the skirt hems began to rise, it was understood that exposing a woman's leg would cause a passionate enthusiasm from the male species, which was worth the liberating feeling. 

Fashion icons in the twenties included movie stars like Greta Garbo and Louise Brooks.  Although their style was very different, they both were fashion icons. Greta had a mystery and allure about her, but also feminine. Louise Brooks became one of the most famous fashion icons in the twenties and 20th century. Her hair style became what is known as the bob, and is still a hairstyle today.


Fashion in the 1930's

Fashion in the thirties a more “ladylike” appearance. The dresses with waistline curves were much more feminine and glamorous. Small round hats became popular, which completed the look of the admired and stylish 1930’s woman. The following is an interesting historical article that introduced the fashion era and the Hollywood affect that we still see today. “How Hollywood is ruining a billion dollar industry”.  The article talks about... the way movie stars dressed that became news, and was copied by girls around the world.  Movie stars such as Joan Crawford became fashion icons in the thirties.

I found this information on fashion so very interesting.  I especially like how fashion played a big role in the twenties in liberating women. Does anyone else share my thoughts? Any other interesting historical fashion news?

The 1920's flapper fashion article has been featured on Digg it.