Get Ready With Me: 1920s Flapper Edition

Presenter: Angeliah Marie Vicente

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 21-22

Semester: Fall

Faculty Mentor: Hillary Homzie

Department: Communication & Media Studies

Funding Source/Sponsor: Class Project, SYRCE Symposium

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ucQfJv-NZ-aLHOeVyGA09T14khmS5L3p

Abstract:
Fashion has always been an accurate reflection of the ideals, beliefs, and trends most popular during the time. In terms of the 1920s, it was the embodiment of the women’s movement inspired by various events, including the ratification of the 19th Amendment and Prohibition. Makeup gradually became more acceptable in public as the decade went on. What was once a taboo concept became increasingly common thanks to the influence of film stars and influential figures. Makeup was considered minimal during the day and extravagant during the evening. Clothing, on the other hand, was considered the most scandalous as it had ever been at the time. Women wore more casual clothing during the day, gravitating towards day dresses, sweaters, and skirts. During the evening, they wore more luxurious pieces with heavy beading and quality material. The shift in trends we saw during the 1920s was a result of the shift in perspective women experienced. Women gained a newfound sense of confidence in their femininity and adopted a more free-spirited attitude. 

These ideas were reflected through a short film that highlighted how women got ready in the morning vs. the evening. This video was heavily influenced by 1920s silent films, where the clips were black and white and there was no verbal dialogue. Historical information was also included in the form of captions to give context to the video and educate audiences on the events that lead to the fashion shift.  Both morning and evening routines were separated to display the differences in how women applied makeup or dressed depending on the time of day. The purpose of this short film was to highlight the clothing most commonly seen during the 1920s and to display the confidence and femininity reflected through women’s clothing and makeup. Hopefully, this project will help audiences gain a better understanding of women’s fashion at the time and how their newfound beliefs and perspectives changed the way they presented themselves to society.