The 1920s are often referred to as the Roaring Twenties. You can read more about the era here: Roaring Twenties: How did the 1920s roar? The 1920s brought a period of massive change. Technology, industry, art and culture all shifted with astonishing pace and ferocity. But perhaps the biggest change of all came in the lives of women. In the 1920s, a new type of woman emerged. These new women became known as flappers.
The new woman of the 1920s had the right to vote. But she also drank, danced, smoked, wore makeup, cut her hair and acted in a frivolous and risk-taking manner. These women were the flapper girls!
Gibson Girl to Flapper
The ‘new woman’ before the First World War was the Gibson Girl. She wore her long hair with a long straight skirt and a high-collared shirt. The Gibson Girl embodied femininity, but fashions began to break gender stereotypes. Women chose clothes appropriate for cycling and other sports. The Gibson Girl stood as an independent woman and the forerunner of the flappers to some extent. But nobody could really predict the changes that were to come.
The Style of the Flappers
Flappers took the new sense of independence for women to a completely different level. The younger generation broke away from traditional values. The 1920s flappers exemplify this better than almost anything else from the era.
Short hair replaced the lush, long locks of the Gibson Girls. The bob cut was born and styles such as the Shingle and Eton emerged. Women wore make-up extensively, with eye-liner, lipstick and powder all becoming all the rage.
They openly smoked and drank. Gibson Girls never would have dated a man. The 1920s girl broke this convention too and turned society on its head in the process!
The Flappers and the Jazz Age
Flappers are synonymous with independence, free spirit – even rebellion. Another thing they are synonymous with is jazz music. Flappers are one of the iconic images of the Jazz Age. They danced the Charleston and the Black Bottom in speakeasies and jazz clubs. Their energy and spirit defined an era. The jazz music of the 1920s fuelled that spirit perfectly.
Today, the flapper style continues to inspire events, parties and themed occasions. If you’re planning a 1920s themed event, get in touch with Silk Street Jazz. We’d love to bring the spirit of the flappers to your celebration.