At the end of May, my local opera company, Nevada Opera, is hosting a 1920s Great Gatsby Gala at the famous National Automobile Museum. There will be music, dancing, food, wine, and lots and lots of gorgeous cars on display! Its been an honor to be chosen to work with them both as the “costume consultant” and model for the publicity photos. I have been dressing in 1920s style clothing for years. Along with my husband Oscar, we have amassed quite a nice wardrobe of roaring ’20s clothing, from elegant flapper dresses to Gatsby costumes and even some gangster clothes.
I thought you might like to see how some of the publicity photos turned out and give you some ideas on creating Great Gatsby attire for couples.
Thank you Luke Lord for your fantastic photography!
Costumes notes:
Debbie’s Gatsby Attire:
Dress: Pisarro Nights beaded gown in silver. Purchased at Dillard’s. Also carried at Nordstrom and Macy’s. Shop more Great Gatsby dresses here.
Necklace: Very long white pearls and peach bead necklaces from Forever 21. See similar necklaces.
Headband: Rhinestone headband from the ICING store. Feather clip from a vendor at the SF Dickens Fair.
Feather Boa: From my stash. Shop boas here.
Oscar’s Great Gatsby Attire:
Suit: Shadow Striped Linen suit, Perry Ellis, purchased at Dillard’s a few years ago. Similar suits can be found here.
Shirt: Brown and white striped with white point collar. I can’t remember where we found this one. Paul Frederick carries these styles. Tie: Gold with navy print found at a thrift store. More ties.
Hat: Straw Bowler. Found at a vintage shop in Long Beach, CA. Made by Scala. You can get the same one here.
Debbie Sessions has been teaching fashion history and helping people dress for vintage themed events since 2009. She has turned a hobby into VintageDancer.com with hundreds of well researched articles and hand picked links to vintage inspired clothing online. She aims to make dressing accurately (or not) an affordable option for all. Oh, and she dances too.