1920s Decade - Century Ladies

My 1920s painting is completed and fabrics have been chosen for my next crazy quilt block.  This was a somewhat frivolous decade and I will be adding lots of glitz and glamour to my block, a huge contrast to my 1910s crazy quilt block.  It should be lots of fun but more time consuming with lots of added embellishments such as beads and sequins added to already shimmery fabrics.

1920s Decade Lady - Copyright Connie R Eyberg

The 1920s, often referred to as the Jazz Age or Roaring Twenties, was the era of Flappers, gangsters and bootleggers.  The war was over, women had new strength and confidence as many went to work.  Besides the end of WWI, the 19th Amendment was ratified giving Women full voting rights thanks to the Womens' Suffrage Movement.  Women gained a new independence and were now free to vote and to drive, and many even took up smoking.  Other influences during this decade included prohibition, development of auto assembly lines making autos more affordable to everyone, discovery of Penicillin and the height of the  Industrial age.  The discovery of King Tut's Tomb brought about an Egyptian influence seen in the fashion industry as well as other applications.  The style during this period is referred to as Art Deco and can be found in the visual arts, architecture and fashions of the day. 

Among the influential people were pioneer aviator Amelia Earhart; racing pilot Jacqueline Cochran; actress, model and dancer Louise/Leslie Brooks; and actresses Greta Garbo, Lillian Gish, Pola Negri, Gloria Swanson and Clara Bow.  Popular music and dances of the time included Charlseston, Tango, Two-Step, One-Step Quick-Step, Turkey Trot, Fox Trot, The Black Bottom, Varsity Drag, The Shimmy and French Tango.  Besides Art Deco, Bauhaus Constructivism, Cubism, Futurism and Dali Surrealism could be seen in the art world.

Previous to the 1920s the ideal was a more mature and sophisticated woman.  Now for the first time women desired a more youthful fun look.  Hemlines went up to the knees and waistlines dropped to the hips during much of this decade.  A flat-chested boyish silhouette with long slender neckline, broad shoulders and long legs with rolled down stockings was in vogue as dresses hung loosely, with little form.  The long straight flat dress was easy to sew.  Among fabrics used were metallics, delicate, thin and airy, rayon, silk, crepe chiffon, mostly in  bright solids or muted pastels along with knits for sportswear.  Egyptian motifs, beads, embroidery, ribbon, stripes, polka dots, large plaids and simple florals were popular.  Hairstyles became short, shingled styles with bangs.  The "bobbed" hairstyle was often topped with a popular Cloche or flapper hat framing the face.  Accessories included long strands of beads, bracelets and/or watches worn over gloves, small, often beaded, handbags, large plume fans, boas or fur wraps, bow pumps, and boxy jackets.  Styles included the flapper/garconne dresses, bare backs, handkerchief hems and everyone owned a plaid overcoat.  Makeup emphasized large eyes and small red bee-stung-look lips.