1920's-1930's... Fashion and society....

Wall Street Crash:

The decade ended with the wall street crash in 1929 which inevitably left a great amount of depression in the air. This depression ironically contrasted by the luxury and richness of the roaring 20's.

In 1925 Chanel brought straight hanging jersey into the public eye. this was a controversial move as jersey was exclusively being used under garments at this time so it could have come across as somewhat suggestive. Garments hung straight from the hips. Easy, soft shapes. Sleek and elegant. The epitome of 'The Jazz Age'. 

Nearing the end of the 20's the fashion, the fashion industry was booming. everyone was living extravagantly and spending a lot of money. It was an extremely glamorous era.


Dance!

After the war a dancing craze spread like wildfire. Jazz bands held dances every afternoon in hotels and night clubs. There was such a high number of high society men waitin for employment after the war that they spent their un-employed time having fun and living extravogant lives.

Everyone lived in Luxury. Leisure, Luxury, New developments,Cars – widely available, Flying – appeared frequently in the news, Ocean Liners – new fascination. The world had experienced a revolution.

Exhibition of decorative arts:

A new contemporary modernism was taking over. In 1925 Paris held an exhibition of decorative arts it was all about the straight lines. Not a curve in sight. The name Art deco was derived from this exhibition. Simplistic interiors and angular buildings were becoming a back drop of society.

 Geometric to curves:

Geometric lines of the early 20s were superseded by curves and soft floral prints.

A gradual increase in femininity was apparent

The fashion industry began to develop this new exposed look

Particularly for evenings

Long line sleeveless bodices

Cut away plunge backs

Trimmed with drapes and bias cutting

Exposure:

Toward the end of the decade, exposure was becoming more accepted within society. People suddenly had bare arms and short skirts.



Gigolos:

This English gentleman's look was rivaled by the “gigolos”

Sleeked back hair and pristine clothes. mirror shiny shoes and immaculately pressed trousers.

Menswear:

Men wore a new style of grey flannel trousers.

“Oxford Bags” – introduced by under graduates of oxford university.

Teamed with casual blazers to form basic lounge suits.