Unique 1920s Print Dress

Sometimes a vintage piece comes along that fascinates me more with the print or pattern than with the style of the garment. Take this late 1920s flapper dress. The uniqueness is in the pattern, which is very Art Deco. It reminds me of Fritz Lang's Metropolis or Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead. Particularly the tall buildings.

Have a look at the winged horse with rider over a metropolitan downtown. A little bit of fantasy meets science fiction.

Cool.

1920s Flapper Dress

MOVE OVER MANOLO!



batashoemuseum.ca

 On the heels of last week's 3 part blogs on the movie "Midnight In Paris", I'm happy to tell you about a fab exhibit at our local Bata Shoe Museum featuring foot fashions from the Roaring 20's.  We are lucky to live in a city which has many wonderful museums and galleries.  I find it unique that our city has a place solely devoted to footwear.

"Born in the age of post-war exuberance, nurtured by the dynamism of the machine and seduced by the lure of the exotic, the Roaring 20s infused modern society and fashion with an energetic modernity. As hemlines rose, shoes became increasingly important for stylish women and many of the decade's exceptional shoes illustrate the electrifying synergy between fashion and design."

Everyone can conjure up images of what the Roaring 20's looked like with flashy flappers and jaunty men in pinstriped suits.  But have we thought about what they wore on their feet?




batashoemuseum.ca
1914-1917

These shoes were made by Lady Luxury.  This style represents the tension felt by women in the 1920's to become equal citizens.  Women were encouraged to be pretty and practical so the male influence of the buttons adds an almost military feel.  The sensible heel style and height are also indications of the attempt at being striking a balance of aesthetics and practicality.






batashoemuseum.ca
1920's

 These shoes were made by Philips.  Women in those days were encouraged to in athletic pursuits.  This bright pair are red rubber, "silver wing" bathing shoes.  They were worn by swimmers and fashionistas alike







batashoemuseum
1922-1925

This graphic Starburst shoe made by Th. J. De Bont could be worn today.  I think I have a pair which look similar with a more sedate all-over dark colour.  The term "flapper" derived from young birds flapping their wings as they left the nest. This "Gatsby" inspired shoe design has the Deco starburst motif shown very prominently.



batashoemuseum
c. 1925

 These shoes in classic black and white illustrate the stark ideas of designers and architects of that time.  The small hits of bronze are reminiscent of many Deco architectural details on structures such as the Chrysler building.




If you are every in my neck of the woods (Toronto), please stop by the Bata Show Museum for this exhibit (until June 2012) and their permanent collection of shoes throughout history. You'll love it!

Ebay Weekender! Keep the 20s Coming!

On the theme of the Great Gatsby annual picnic in California, here are some more gorgeous art deco items, all now available.

Art Deco Carlton Ware Vase

Art Deco Chairs

Two Toned Art Deco Forms Console

Whiting & Davis Art Deco Silver Purse

Silk & Lace Slip

Art Deco T-Strap Shoes

A Gatsby Summer Afternoon

Photo courtesy Collectors Weekly

As a vintage dealer, I am often asked what my favorite era is. It is a difficult question to answer as there are so many variables that affect why I like certain times in history. It is not just a fashion look or style, but also a way of life, societal beliefs and morals, feminist constrictions or liberties, familial lifestyle .... many factors contribute to preferring one era over another.

But one in particular often stands out. That is the Art Deco era...or the style of F. Scott Fitzgerald, well-known for his novel, The Great Gatsby.

So it is fitting that the Art Deco Society of California takes us back to "The Gatsby Summer Afternoon" event every year. Held on the beautiful lawns of the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate, it is a picnic re-creating elegant afternoons as Jay Gatsby or F. Scott and Zelda would have held. 

Photo courtesy Collectors Weekly

There are strict requirements for picnicking at this event and it is detailed in the "How to Gatsby Guide".  For example, no plastic or Styrofoam plates, no denim, miniskirts or sneakers. Ladies must wear hats, gloves and jewelery. Well, all I can say is "how wonderfully sophisticated"!

For more reading head over to Collector's Weekly and The Art Deco Society.

Some Art Deco items, now available.

Art Deco Beaded Purse

Art Deco Bib Necklace

Vintage Art Deco Ring

Art Deco Cinnamon Gown