Art Deco style in clothing: then and today

The interwar period in the first half of the 20th century left its mark on history for many centuries. This is the period when men and women, hungry for fun and beautiful clothes, used any opportunity for pleasure. The Art Deco style sounded great not only in the decor, but also in the clothing.

Surrounding themselves with luxurious outfits, people wanted to think about peace, tranquility and happiness. And the shine of jewelry and materials excited consciousness and calmed heated hearts.

Motives for the emergence of a trend in the fashion industry

Art Deco appeared as a separate genre in fashion evolution in 1925, although it is believed that the prerequisites for this arose much earlier. Immediately after the First World War I wanted to sing and dance, dress beautifully, attract the opposite sex. In a word, I wanted happiness here and now, because during the war years it seemed illusory and unattainable.

Seeping through books and chronicles, knowledge about ancient civilizations, ancient rituals, as well as the cultural heritage of other countries gave impetus to the emergence eclectic trends in various spheres of human activity. The greyness and despondency of the post-war days were buried under the shine of materials, the brightness of decorations, and freedom was evident in behavior.

Everything that was successful in the past gradually settled in new fashionable genres. Indian translucent shawls, Russian satin kokoshniks, Turkish brocade, lurex, rhinestones, bugles, feathers, fringe, stones – everything that was considered bright, has found its place in the new world.

Art Deco is a vintage style that includes many styles. Its main features can be considered brilliance, frankness, and special decor.

Characteristic features and style features

Pretentiousness and nobility, feminism and humility, light and subduedness are miraculously intertwined here. The genre has the following features:

1. Rich finish. They're on the move any materials and elements that have shine and visible high cost. Decoration with lurex, gold and silver threads, glass, beads, rhinestones, appliques, precious stones.
2. Shiny and “rich” fabrics. Everything that could shimmer under the sun or spotlights. The production of synthetic materials was gradually established, which successfully met the requirements of the genre.
3. Splendor of styles. Ruffles, folds, wide frills, fur, as well as loose elements of clothing in the style of Chinese kimonos, raincoats, large headdresses made of stoles or knitted parts. This played into the hands of representatives of feminist trends, promoting their goals through freedom in clothing styles.
4. Sharp angles and plant-animal motifs in drawings. Geometric ribbon prints, animal colors (leopard, zebra, tiger, etc.), ears of corn, leaves, branches and other similar images are welcome. Wherein in the choice of design, a certain symmetry relative to the vertical line was often observedpassing through the center of the body or the abdominal area.
5. Metallic colors. Silver, gold, copper and other noble shiny metals were considered fundamental in color decisions.
6. Accessories made of gold, silver and precious stones. Brooches, headbands, bracelets, necklaces, multi-tiered beads (pearls are the most popular), hairpins, cufflinks, clasps... The accessories should have a noble shine.
7. Hats and bonnets. Decorating hair is a feature of the Art Deco style, so a headdress was considered a mandatory attribute in style.
8. Straight clothing styles. Women's dresses were made without a strong emphasis on the waist. It was much more important to pay attention to its decor than to its tailoring.

Interesting! The Art Deco print, which today shares the same name with the clothing style, is a characteristic feature of the decor design of that time.

Materials, styles, details

The preferred flowers were saturated colors with rich undertones – dark blue, burgundy, black, gray, malachite, ivory, amber and others similar.

There was no special attention paid to the quality of things. It was rare to wear such clothes every day, so there was no need to buy a dress that would last forever. Was in fashion synthetics, as well as brocade, satin, silk, taffeta, velvet, viscose, guipure. Often several different materials were combined in one image. For example, a velvet dress was trimmed with synthetic fringe and lurex threads, the collar was trimmed with fur, and the hat was trimmed with lace.

It was considered special chic clothing with thread trim. Multi-tiered fabric with fringe, a cover with long iridescent tassels, or perhaps thread trim in the form of semi-oval patterns - such decor was considered iconic in Art Deco and attracted most fashionistas of the time.

Women's clothing styles can literally be called straight. Without much emphasis on the bust and waist, but with a flowing skirt. At the same time, the belt was often lowered to the level of the hips. Loose-cut sleeves of a wide variety of styles, or the lack thereof, were welcomed. The back was often exposed. We wore maxi, midi, and even mini. There were practically no trousers.

Accessories, underwear and shoes

Details make style, and in this case they play a decisive role along with decoration. In priority:

• hats, headbands with feathers, brooches on the side, appliqués;
• pearl beads, which could be worn “the other way around”, for example, with a dress with a bare back;
• huge dangle earrings: tassels, pearls, gold, silver, glass, beads;
• interesting design jewelry: necklaces and large rings;
• fabric headbands decorated with pearls or beads;
• half masks made of starched guipure with feathers at the temples;
• small clutches made of shiny metallic materials;
• velvet muslin bags;
• beaded purses with kiss clasps and shoulder straps;
• stockings - milky, beige or soft pink;
• gloves – long, made of satin, velvet, guipure;
• fur muffs and collars.

And much more.

It’s worth mentioning separately about status elements of the image. A powder compact, mouthpiece, and all kinds of stone boxes for small items must be present in your purse. Can't find an expensive smoking pipe in a restaurant? God forbid... (But it reminds me of something from “today”).

Shoes preferably high heels with a stable last. In tailoring, the style of closed shoes was often used, with an emphasis on the bend of the foot (the central part of the decor, jumper, bow, brooch) and mandatory fasteners. Natural colors, but bright materials are in fashion – glossy leather, varnish, metallic fabrics, as well as mesh and guipure for finishing. Shoes were also decorated with stones, rhinestones, and beads.

Contemporary Feminine Art Deco

Today, the image in the art deco style is following traditions, but in a new format. The dresses are more feminine, the materials are of better quality, the decor is not so pronounced and cheap. The priority is given to prints characteristic of the genre, “expensive” colors, muted, similar motifs are added to the style.

In 2020 more attention is paid to tailoring and prints, flashy decor is a minimum, accessories are preferable from expensive materials rather than trimmed with glass beads or beads.

But still on topic fringe, symmetrical arrangement of patterns, emphasis on the hips, metallic trim. You can add fashionable glasses, shoes, an unusual hat or bag to a modern look.