Style Tycoon: January 2014

After watching The Great Gatsby (2013) several times, I decided it was time to pull a post together on the much coveted style of the 1920's. There is nothing more luxurious and fascinating than the way people lived during this Art Deco inspired, champagne sippin' time.

The film is set in the 1920's and if you weren't in existence during this time, well that's no problem! here's some context to keep you in the loop.

The 1920's...

-is commonly referred to as the Jazz Age and/or the Roaring 20's

-was the beginning of Art Deco & Surrealist movements

-was a period of economic boom following World War 1

This economic prosperity led to lavish lifestyles, faster cars, glittering diamonds and flamboyant parties... but what did this mean for fashion?

Ladies Fashion (more diamonds please)

Challenging traditional Victorian societal roles, women's fashion played a significant part in liberating women. Corsets were swapped for long unrestrictive dresses known as 'flapper dresses'. As the Jazz age progressed, the late 1920's saw hemlines creeping up to just below the knee. Flashes of silk or rayon stockings were held up by garters and could sometimes be seen as girls danced or walked. Outfits were accessorised with feather boa's and cloche hats in luxe materials.

Combined with the Art Deco movement flapper dresses were adorned with eclectic beaded patterns. Geometric prints in gold, silver and pastel colours were also popular choices. Shoes incorporated a small block heel with t-bar detailing and a strap. This allowed women to dances to styles such as the Charleston in chic comfort. Embellished flapper dresses would swoosh to the rhythm of ragtime jazz music, the spectacle can be seen here during the party scene in The Great Gatsby.

Gatsby Style on the Runway

The 1920's may seem like a long time ago but in 2012, one year prior to the remake of The Great Gatsby, fashion designers all across the globe ventured back into the past and produced collections inspired by the roaring 20's. Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Marchesa & Marc Jacobs are just to name a few...

Gucci Spring/Summer 2012

Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2012

Marchesa Spring/Summer 2012

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2012

Gentlemen, your turn to suit up...

Men's fashion also encountered an upgrade. Suiting in lighter shades become a symbol of wealth. Silk pocket squares and geometric ties complemented Club collar shirts in white or light blue. The whole look was pulled together by a well cut single breasted jacket, often in pinstripe pattern with matching Oxford pants. Shoes were all leather of course, brogues were a favourite in contrasting colours such as black and white or brown and cream. A straw boater was a quintessential staple to the modern man's wardrobe.

Brooks Brothers

Ralph Lauren Purple Label 2012

Fashion Collaborations in The Great Gatsby

My jaw dropped when I found out the number of fashion collaborations that made The Great Gatsby the visual extravagant affair that it is. Diamond and pearl encrusted Tiffany and Co headpieces, Bespoke designer flapper dresses by Miuccia Prada, Fogal for hosiery and Brooks Brothers for suiting. Gastby looks dapper and soft spoken Daisy is simply just beautiful. I wish I had signed up to be an extra!

Miuccia Prada costume sketches for The Great Gatsby