I have heard it time and time again from my internet friends and many kind old ladies in retirement homes, that I have a face of a 1920-1940s film star. Maybe the 20 year span is a reflection of the length of my career had I been born then and wasn’t completely rubbish at acting. One never will know. Well, unless we invent time travel and I am alive and rich enough by then to afford such history spelunking. 
So even though I may never get to be a flapper (other than at some weird murder mystery theme party), I can incorporate elements of those swinging 20s into my wardrobe. However, I’ve never liked literal translations of fashion inspiration. Instead I like to use elements of an era to drive my creativity. So when sitting down to create this 1920s/1930s themed look, I couldn’t help but be inspired by the Art Deco movement.
Art Deco was a 1920s art movement characterized by precise and delineated geometric shapes paired with bold, saturated colors. While Art Deco was predominately seen in the architecture and interior design of the time, it also bled in the era’s jewelry and fashion. Art Deco not only stood for glamour, it also symbolically represented faith in social and technological progress.
I created this “berries” (1920s slang for cool) look by pairing a luxe bee-printed blazer with a creme ruffle neck blouse, and tuxedo striped ankle pants. The tuxedo stripe is a nice mirror for the black satin used for the jacket’s lapels. I gave the look some extra polish with black and gold sling back shoes, geometric earrings, and a bright red lip. The result makes me look like a total “baby vamp” (a popular and cool woman). Lets get blotto (drunk) and find me a bimbo (sexy man)!
Lets discuss how this art movement is fully manifest in this awesome look from Modcloth. First, the bold jacquard print of this blazer mirrors the saturated, luxe hues that would have been used in upholstery, curtains and anywhere one could drape in fabric. The bee- often used in art to symbolize the power of community and personal progress- included in the print could be interpreted as subtle reminder of faith in community. This isn’t any jacket, it’s a blazer of hope.
The shoes’ Arts Décoratifs nod is more subtle. The line of the slingback leaves the gold block heel exposed, showcasing the bold geometric lines that were popular during this era. However, the overall style of the shoe remains far too plain the fully fit in the 20s, making it a perfect mixture of modern elegance and vintage charm.
Lastly the earrings in this look leverage a geometric print that was very popular during the era. Art Deco incorporated elements of many ancient religions- including those from China, Mexico, Egypt and Persia. The triangle, used by many of these regions’ endemic religions as a proxy of strength and knowledge, was often incorporated into many designs of the 1920s as symbol of power. This final touch polishes off an outfit of hope and celebration, that recognizes the thoughtful design of the Gatsby era in a deliciously modern way.
Thank you to Modcloth for sponsoring this post!
