My 2012 Meets 1920’s Vintage Fashion Prediction

It’s the start of a brand new year. 2011 was a pretty great one for me, so I can only hope 2012 will be just as amazing. How about you?

Instead of setting New Year’s resolutions (which I always break), how about I make a New Year’s prediction. When it comes to vintage fashion, the revival trends that come and go are fun to see develop over time. I may not always like the direction certain revivals go, but I have a feeling this year’s can only be good.

In 2012, I predict we will see a big 1920s fashion revival. Between the many TV shows, mini series, movies, and top designer lines influenced by 20’s fashion, I predict we will see more drop waist dresses, casual vintage sports wear, and more cloche hats hit the specialty and mass consumer markets. It may not happen all at once. It could very well be another year before 1920s inspired fashions are in Target or Walmart, but the trend has certainly started now, and for good reason….

Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris (Movie) – Flashbacks to the 1920s and La Belle Époque eras make this movie potentially fashion interesting. Potential yes, final deliverable, maybe. I did not like the plot, the actors, and I even felt the costumes were a little cliche.  Even so, as a vintage fashion fan it’s worth a watch and judge for yourself.  Watch the Trailer.

Hugo

Hugo (Movie)- Not just a kid’s movie, Hugo is full of young 20’s fashion that is sure to put a smile on your face. The style captures the day to day fashions of the 1920s that are too often overlooked by glamorous party gowns.  The ratings and reviews are excellent a must see in 3D if you can. Watch the Trailer.

The Artist

The Artist (Movie)- This black and white silent film is currently in theaters but not yet in my area. I am very anxious to see it. The late ’20s costumes are simply stunning and the reviews are top notch. Expect to see charming hats and furs that are notorious in Film Noir movies. Watch the Trailer.

Boardwalk Empire  (TV show)- The 1920s Atlantic City gangsters have completed two successful seasons of blood, whiskey, and 1920s men’s clothing. Although the ladies’ costumes have played a smaller role, the interest in both genders is growing.  I expect season 3 to feature more of the mid twenties fashions including many more flapper bobs and short dresses. The men’s fashion will continue to showcase snazzy suits and high end finery.

Downtown Abbey (Mini Series) – This popular mini series recently ended with the aftermath of WWI in 1916. The next season is scheduled to debut in September with promises of being set in the 1920s. If the amazing collection of costumes from the first two seasons is any sign of what we will see in season 3, then we are in for a fashion treat!

The Great Gatsby (Movie)- The year ends with a Christmas release of The Great Gatsby starring Leonardo DiCaprio, among others. A preview of the set, costumes, and top rated actors makes this movie have every potential of starting a 1920s fashion revolution just as the 1970s version did when it came out. If all the other movies and mini series don’t inspire a 1920s come back, this one certainly will.

Fashion Designers Showcase 1920s Inspiration

It is not uncommon for one or two designers to showcase 1920s inspired fashions as part of a new line – especially beaded evening gowns – however this year a few top designers have made an extra effort to design entire lines around the 1920’s aesthetic. Ralph Lauren is the leader for 2012. His spring designs incorporate the light airy colors of summer ’20s dresses and the shapeless sport wear that started the trend for leisure sports in the 1920s. See for yourself his spring 1920s line.

Ralph Lauren 1920s Inspired Dresses

Tory Burch​’s sportswear inspired by Coco Chanel​ and 1920s Deauville looks a bit like 1970s does 1920s to me, but I still appreciate the design influence of the 1920s.

Finally, Frida Giannini’s Art Deco inspired black-and-gold fringed flapper dresses and androgynous sportswear are helping to celebrate Gucci’s 90th anniversary. The designs are vintage yet strongly modern with trims of real metal and glass, just like Art Deco architecture. These designs clearly can’t be worn at 1920s reenactments, but it is still a great homage to the fashion designers and artists that shaped the 1920s. Can you spot the ’20s inspiration in Gucci’s ready to wear line?

1920s Fashion Guide

1920s Dresses by Coco Chanel

So there you have it. Nine big influences on fashion for 2012. Who knows what exactly will happen in 2012, but one thing is for sure – I am hooked on the 1920s! I have been wanting to dig deeper into studying fashion of the 1920s ever since I bought my 1920s house this summer.  Now with all of these major signs, plus a bit of hinting (OK maybe a lot of hinting from my friend Lauren, who is currently designing a pair of 1920s reproduction shoes), I have decided to start my next fashion book on the 1920s. I am VERY excited about the project. Just like the 1940s, information online is vague and repetitious. Between the research, the photos I’m collecting, the hair and makeup tutorials I am filming, and the 1920s dress sew-along I will include- this book is going to be bigger and better than both the 1940s Style Guide and the 1950s Style Guide (not released yet).

I don’t yet have a publication date for the new book. With the baby due in 3 months, I have to get a move on it before my time is swallowed up, so expect to see something released this spring or early summer. In the meantime I am working on a Free 1920s Fashion for Your Body Type eBook that will be posted here soon. Just keep reading and sharing the love of vintage inspired fashions right here on VintageDancer.

Best wishes for a very happy new year!

Debbie

Oscar and I Dressed for Our 1920’s Home Warming Party- Photo Credit Lauren Reeser