The Androgynous Fashions Of The 1920's

Contradictory to most components of modern society, the concept of fashion promises no serviceable utility; rather, its fanciful presence deviates from rationality, and is of evidently limited assistance to the continuity of the human race. It does not grant any form of sustenance, shelter, or protection essential to our existence, and yet fashion has captivated the interest and reverence of much of Earth’s population; for it has become a preferred method of self-expression, communication, and innovation. Throughout history, fashion has facilitated immense social changes, and has consequently adopted the role of a transitional factor worldwide; serving to provide individuality whilst accommodating the human desire for conformity. Its immense

You propose to her by telephone and marry her by wireless. You do not make a home and lead her in, but mix a cocktail and lead her out. She will probably demand a divorce on the grounds of incompatibility of dance steps. Only Suitable for millionaires.

Thus, as the androgynous fashions of the 1920s emerged, it became clear to society that along with the drastic change in clothing, came a remarkable shift in the attitudes of women. They were no longer the meek and submissive beings of the Victorian era, but rather vivacious and rebellious individuals; an alteration which caused distress amongst much of the male population. For as skirts rose higher, and formalities grew looser, men began to encounter great difficulty in maintaining the respectable behaviours they had been brought up to emit, and felt oddly threatened:

They really shouldn’t allow a veil like this. All men should rise in a body and make it a law for any woman to be so attractive. It’s just a frill of black lace, but it has been attached to the inside of the hat, just where the crown rests on the head. It really should be stopped-men have a hard enough time in this world as it

In favor of remaining in domestic service, an increasing number of females began to work in white-collar jobs, representing the forefront of retail and office services. Lacking the time for tedious fittings and custom tailoring, astute clothing manufacturers responded to the demands through the making of ready-made garments; easily accessible throughout the country. In previous decades, the Edwardian style had been a physical representation of luxurious living, and available only to the first-class civilians able to spend such extravagant amounts. However, the emergence of the twenties fashion did not reflect the preceding exclusive atmosphere, but rather the diverse advances in technology, art, and design. Consumer attire was now held to modern standards, and refrained from imitation of past designs. Fashion, once fastidious décor, now embodied the liberated attitudes of modern society, and symbolized women’s entry into the new era. The goal was to look smart, and able to fend for one’s