Art Deco Women's Fashions

Art-Gout-Beaute 1 Blackgold
Art-Gout-Beaute
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The introduction of innovative Art Deco style in furniture, architecture and other designs coincided with a revolution in the lives of women in Europe and the USA. Even before the First World War, women were campaigning for the right to vote and joined Suffragette movements. Although some of these movements used peaceful means, others used direct action like women chaining themselves to railings and one even threw herself under a racehorse.

All of this campaigning was unheard of behaviour for middle and upper class women.

With the advent of the First World War and conscription, women were required to work outside the home doing jobs formerly done by men. After the terrible carnage of war, a 'live for the moment' culture pervaded and heralded the 'Jazz Age'.

These changes in the mindset of women brought about changes in fashion which was also heavily influenced by the elegance of Art Deco.

1919-1929

• Hair is cropped
• Hemlines rise first to mid calf and then, by the mid 1920s, to the knees
• Waistline drops to the hips
• A slim boyish figure becomes fashionable and clothes were tubular
• New fabrics like rayon and leather came into use in women's clothes
• The fashionable designers included Chanel and Patou

1930-1930

Party Time
Liane Abrieu
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• Fashion is now influenced by Hollywood
• The Depression grips both Europe and the USA so women are no longer welcome in the workplace - they are seen as taking men's jobs - so fashion reflects this by becoming more feminine
• Hemlines drop to the ankle
• Gone is the tubular boyish look, now clothes are soft and clinging
• Fashionable designers included Schiaparelli, Lanvin and Rochas

Read more articles on Art Deco.

For more information see All Info About Vintage Fashion

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