Art Deco Inspiration: The Roaring Twenties in 2012

Last year, the Spring 2012 runways were nearly overflowing from the abundance of Art Deco inspiration. This design style, which first began in 1920s Paris, is the epitome of glamour from the Jazz Age. While Milan’s Spring Fashion Week may be over, this trend is still current, as some designers retain the inspiration in their fall collections. And, of course, two months ago the trailer was released of Baz Luhrmann’s remake of The Great Gatsby. This novel has always been the quintessential, ultimate illustration of the Roaring Twenties. If the breathtaking trailer was any indication, the upcoming movie adaptation will maintain the Art Deco trend for some time to come. 

You may think this trend is too sexy, too extravagant, too everything for you to incorporate into your daily wardrobe, but you are mistaken. It’s surprisingly easy to add a dash of Daisy Buchanan (Gatsby’s leading lady) to your outfit; take advantage of Art Deco inspiration to integrate the Roaring Twenties into your 2012 style. 

THE FLAPPER DRESS

You’ve seen the cheesy, cheap flapper imitations for years on Halloween, but don’t let that deter you. The new wave of high-fashion flapper dresses effortlessly embody the drop-waist hemline, sleek silhouette, symmetrical and geometric designs, and fringe of the original dresses. 

RUNWAY: Gucci’s beaded flapper dresses are perfection on model Yulia Kharlapanova. It’s no wonder that stars like Salma Hayek and Zoe Saldana have snatched them up. (Style.com)

YOUR WAY: This dress has all the classics: sequins, fringed hemline, and a bare back. The simple. striped print helps transport the otherwise spot-on flapper dress into this century. (Zara, $50)

Still too costume-y for you? While I disagree, and think there’s no better cocktail dress, I understand your concerns. Here’s a breakdown of three of the most important and recognizable elements to the flapper dress, and how to work them individually into everyday wear without seeming like you’re playing dress-up. 

GEOMETRIC DESIGN

First off – the pattern of the dress. Geometric designs are crucial to the 1920s look, and have also been showing up recently in the tribal trend.

RUNWAY: Model Abbey Lee Kershaw is fierce in Alberta Ferretti’s updated geometric design technique – using cutouts and sheer fabrics to create the pattern. (Style.com)

YOUR WAY: You probably didn’t expect a mini skirt to be influenced by the shapeless flapper dress, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how sexy and modern you can look in geometric deigns. (ASOS, $31.50)

EMBELLISHMENTS

Second – the embellishments. These can be beads, sequins, or feathers – all three of which happen to be popular street styles. Sequins are my favorite embellishment, because they can easily transform from casual day wear to the perfect night out. 

RUNWAY: Model Karo Mrozkova wears one of Caroline Herrera’s most stunning gowns; the intricate and youthful sequins adding to the elegance of this sleek dress.   (Style.com)

YOUR WAY: This tank may not exude the same elegance as the runway’s gown, but the all-over sequins and back bow are just as delightful. (Mikkat Market, $32)

FRINGE

Finally – the fringed hemline. As the most memorable element of the flapper dress, it is also the riskiest to pull off without looking like a costume. However, as the most feminine and quirky design, this is a risk worth taking. 

RUNWAY: Model Shu Pei Qin works a fabulously fun Oscar de la Renta dress that takes the fringed hemline to another level. (Style.com)

YOUR WAY: This tiered fringe mini skirt is still fun, but more subdued. It looks modern and is minimally flashy, a key with this trend. (Forever 21, $20)

WIDE-LEG TROUSERS

All the above too feminine for you? Then take a note from the original menswear trend: wide-leg trousers. They’re flattering, versatile, and guaranteed to add some glam to any outfit. 

RUNWAY: Toni Garrn is the emblem of casual grace in Ralph Lauren, breezing down the runway in fresh, wide-leg trousers, complete with front-pleat detailing (another 1920s fashion staple). (Style.com)

YOUR WAY: These teal, pleated wide-leg trousers are simply stunning. Better yet, they’re incredibly comfortable. (Tobi, $25)

ACCESSORIES

If you want to take baby-steps with the Art Deco trend, this is where you should start: accessories. They’re an easy and effortless way of adding some Jazz Age grace and allure to your style, without detracting from modern fashions. 

These gorgeous chandelier spike drop earrings resemble the oversized fan earrings actually worn in the era by Josephine Baker, the famed entertainer and face of the 1920s. (Dorothy Perkins, $22)

This bead and sequin embellished envelope clutch is perfect for pairing with a LBD on a classy night out – and bound to steal your outfit’s spotlight. (Forever 21, $27)

Featured Image From: The Great Gatsby

Tags: 1920s paris, advantage of art, art deco, cocktail dress, daisy buchanan, fall collections, flapper, flapper dress, flapper dresses, fringe, geometric, Great Gatsby, Jazz Age, roaring twenties, salma hayek, sequins, wide-leg trousers, zoe saldana

Category: DIY / Inspiration