1920s : Fashions of a Roaring Decade

[DosViolines]

Rhinestone/crystal hat ornament, 1920s

It features showy, three-dimensional rock crystal cabochons and glittering rhinestones. The ends screw together—I found it somewhat tight and didn't want to force it open.

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[DosViolines]

Silk and lace flapper slip, 1920s

The slip is fashioned from pink silk crepe and is trimmed at the drop waist and hem with wide bands of decorative cotton lace. The bodice is edged with delicate ivory lace. The straps are ivory tulle. The slip closes on the side with snaps.

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[DosViolines]

Hand-embroidered lace dress, 1920s

I photographed the dress over an ivory slip (not included) so you could see the pattern of lace and embroidery. The dress is fashioned from cotton lace and tulle that is exquisitely hand embroidered with padded satin stitch, bullion coils, and French knots. The embroidery is bordered with panels of handmade Cluny lace.

The dress probably began life as ivory and was dyed at some later date. It closes on the side with hooks and snaps.

vintagetextile

 

[DosViolines]

French wide-brim black velvet hat, 1920s

This unique hat was featured on page 209 of Vintage Style by Desire Smith. The large bird ornament is hand-painted and appliquéd to the crown. The crown is lined with changeable silk taffeta.

The label reads "Gage Brothers & Co./New York/Chicago/Paris."

vintagetextile

 

[DosViolines]

Dotted swiss cotton day dress, 1920s

Day dresses from the early 20th century are becoming very difficult to find. While the treasured special occasion dress was lovingly stored away, the day dress was usually worn until it died.

This one is fashioned from cheerful, pink dotted swiss cotton. The straight style has a drop waist, long sleeves, and a pleated skirt. I love the large mother-of-pearl buttons used for decoration. The dress slips over the head.

vintagetextile

 

[DosViolines]

Beaded chiffon flapper dress, c.1925

This superb flapper dress was one of the great ones in its time. It can be restored to its former glory if you have a cleaner who can handle the project.

vintagetextile

 

[DosViolines]

Assuit shawl, 1920s

The cloth is white cotton mesh; the metal pieces shift from silver to gold.

Assuit cloth is a cotton mesh fabric embroidered with hammered metal pieces. The metal is wrapped around the mesh, and the ends are hammered under to hold the piece in place—it makes me think of staples. This type of cloth, produced since Biblical times, is named for the Assuit region of Egypt, where it originated.

When King Tut's Tomb was opened for tourism in the 1920s, visiting Americans brought home Assuit shawls as souvenirs. Vintage Assuit cloth is more substantial and mellow than that being produced today. Wearing Assuit garments in the 1920s and 1930s was a status symbol. It meant that you were wealthy enough to make the tour.

vintagetextile

 

[jackieonassis]

omg! they're all so gorgeous! i particuarly love the flapper dress and the hat, what an era!

 

[DosViolines]

Pink Satin Beaded Dress c. 1920s

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[DosViolines]

Silver & Gold Lame Dress 1920s

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[DosViolines]

Lace Tea Dress c. 1925

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[DosViolines]

Velvet Opera Cape 1920s

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[DosViolines]

Hand Beaded 1920s Dress

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[DosViolines]

Silver Sequined Dance Dress c. 1925

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[DosViolines]

1920s Embroidered Dresses

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[DosViolines]

Asuite Shawl, 40" x 96"

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[DosViolines]

Beaded Flapper Dress

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[DosViolines]

Spring Cloche, 1920s

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[DosViolines]

Spring Cloche, 1920s

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[DosViolines]

Gold Dress, Pink Beads, 1920s

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