1920s - fashion with fun, whimsy and chic

[Mojito]

Hope no one minds me starting a 1920s fashion thread - I've seen so many fabulous dresses lately that have gone up for high-end auctions, and there have been some amazing examples in recent exhibitions. Miss Bella Hell was kind enough to suggest I start a thread for my 1920s purchases, and perhaps there is room for a general thread on the fashions of the decade. These first examples are recent buys that I've made, but I'll link to some of the real stunners out there as well. I know others have their favourites from the time as well - the Lanvins, Poirets, Callot Souers etc!

First up are a couple of evening cloches/caps that came from a larger collections - these were made in France. I've been looking for good, well priced examples for an age:

[Mojito]

Here's the velvet House of Adair dress I mentioned in another thread, with the matching pink satin opera cape.

The House of Adair was a French label that made dresses for the export market, particularly to America. They were known for their beadwork, and peaked productively in 1924-25.

This dress needs some work - you're seeing it here in its raw, wrinkled state! - but gives you some idea of the colour pallette. Fortunately the beadwork is in fantastic condition, with just some darkening due to tarnish on the silver lined beads. It's a good thing, too, as my brilliant mother does the restoration work on my dresses, and the tiny, tiny size of the pink-pigment lined beads would probably defeat even her.

The cape has weights set in the hem at various points so it hangs perfectly, and had wires set through the collar so it sat upright.



To accessorise, I'll use this pink fringed purse:



And possibly this bandeau, depending on whether it clashes wildly - which I purchased courtesy of FL member Madame Circa of Circa Vintage!

[Mojito]

Another reason why I love the 1920s - the playful sense of fun, as seen in these decorative garters with flapper buttons:

[~*Red*~]

Those flapper buttons on the garters are the CUTEST thing I've ever seen!

[Mojito]

Thanks Red - I've wanted a set for a while, and I'm so pleased with those. Now I'd like to find a pair with the little pocket with rouge to refresh those rouged knees!

Here's my current dream dress - It went for auction at Doyles New York, and I'd love to know who purchased it. I'm sure it went to a good home...the dress belonged to Theda Bara, so it could have been a fashion collector or silent film fan:



Original auction blurb:

Black and White Beaded Chemise Dress From the Wardrobe of Theda Bara
Circa 1925
Of black georgette with integral silk slip, with low V front and back, the bodice top and skirt covered with tiers of long silver bead fringe, looped on bodice and swinging free on skirt, the torso solidly beaded with white pearlescent and black beads in a dramatic burst pattern centered with elliptical shape worked in rhinestones and square paillettes with a bead tassel dangling from middle, the dress similarly, but not identically, beaded on back, interior tape label: Bara.

The dress belonged to the great silent film star Theda Bara (1889-1955). Bara created the character of the Vamp, the wickedest of women, in her starring role in the movie A Fool There Was, of 1915 and became an instant star. From 1915 to 1919, she starred in scores of films, most box office smashes, including notably Cleopatra in 1917 and Salome in 1918. Her heyday ended in 1919, but she continued to make films into the 1920s, her last Madame Mystery, in 1926, the approximate date of this dress.

Can you imagine what that silver would have looked like with her dark hair and make up?

[LelaViavonie]

That is a beatiful dress!!! **gasp** very beautiful

[Vintage Betty]

What a great thread Mojito! And that last dress is certainly worth posting - thanks so much! I have a ton of 1920 hats posted, so feel free to grab those for this thread. Did you want us to post things from our collections as well? Clothes, hats, purses, accessories ???

What are your guidelines?

[Mojito]

It is a stunner, isn't it, LelaViavonie? She certainly knew how to make an impression.

Vintage Betty, I'd be thrilled if you added your clothes, hats, accessories etc to the thread! I didn't intend it to be centered on my collection - just a general discussion of all things with 20s pizzaz. Are those the hats in the Vintage Hat thread? I'd love to see them up here!

My yellow beaded and sequined dress arrived today, and I'm beyond thrilled with it. It was delivered at work, and even colleagues who couldn't give a hoot about vintage clothing were mesmerised. Given the incredible weight of the beads, the condition is amazing - but that's the best thing about these cotton based French beaded dresses: the condition.

There are some beautiful examples in a rainbow of colours - here are three I own:





Same dress in action at the 2008 Hastings Ball in New Zealand:



And today's darling:



I'll probably wear the gold sequined evening cloche in the first post with this one.

[Mojito]

And here are some in breathtaking museum gallery of Antiquedress.com - the second one has some elements that remind me of the first dress posted above. She had another one that reminded me of other aspects of it (the flowers) - I'll have to see if I saved a picture of it:

[GreyAndWhiteCat]

I can’t pull of 20s at all, being well endowed at the chest. But these dresses are real beauties to look at. Thanks for posting Mojito