In a Flap

I have long been fascinated by the flapper era and the new breed of woman that emerged during the 1920’s. Contempt for Prohibition in the United States, and the stuffiness of the Victorian era in the UK, as well as the end of the First World War for all, led to teenage girls, and often women up to 30, flaunting their disapproval for what at the time was considered acceptable behaviour.

This new generation of women removed the corset from their wardrobe, wore shorter skirts, danced to jazz music, bobbed their hair, wore heavy make-up, and would smoke, drink and drive cars!

In many ways these more care-free women shaped what the modern woman has become today, by promoting their rights, and challenging women’s traditional roles by often working outside the home.

The scandalous flapper look became a fashion statement and was recognised by the boyish short hair, flattened chest and straight waist under loose fitting dresses. Hats included the Cloche and Newsboy cap.

Clara Bow was one of the actresses of the day adopting and popularising the look...

Along with Joan Crawford.

This typical French flapper postcard, depicting a young girl sat in her boudoir has several elements reminiscent of the era. Apart from the confident girl herself, there is the unmistakable wallpaper and fabrics, as well as the doll hanging to the left.

These dolls were often designed as storage bags for stockings or handkerchiefs.

I have this one, dated 1922 on the inside of the bag, made from typical deco floral fabric. The doll would have been part of a kit and is made of wood. She has hand painted google eyes, classic bob cut and a tiny cloche hat made from matching fabric.

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I have a few deco fabrics, but rarely seem to come across them on my buying trips, compared to other vintage and antique textiles.

These two in my collection are French and both feature pretty roses printed on cotton.

Another 20's doll that I have is this papier-mâché girl with hand painted facial features and again the jet black bob.

My favourite plaster doll stands on my dressing table looking after some vintage diamante necklaces.

And regular readers of my blog will know I have a few hat stand dolls too!

Postcards from the flapper era are an easier piece of history to find...

I particularly like those featuring the beautiful Gladys Cooper.

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Occasionally I come across paper scraps...Here, more google-eyed cuties so typical of the time.

I have a few photographs too. This one you may have seen before - I believe it dates from the early 20's, before skirts rose to just below the knee by 1927.

I actually found this portrait at the weekend - isn't she lovely? I couldn't help but notice the felt corsage pinned to her collar.

I keep a few of those in an old French fabric covered box.

And this hat band made from velvet flowers would have once graced a simple cloche.

Of course colourful ostrich feathers worn in a headband were another fashion accessory.

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Heavy make up included dark eyes - kohl-rimmed of course...

'Kiss proof' lipstick and pale powdered skin. (Two tiny powder purses that I have collected, each with a teeny puff and original powder inside.)

And a compact mirror for checking those bee stung lips!

All carried around in a metal mesh purse!

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Clara Bow summarising the classic look!

Finally satin and brocade slippers with a max 2" heel, perfect for dancing the Charleston, Shimmy, and Bunny Hug! I'm yet to find a beaded flapper dress within my budget, but it doesn't hurt to dream...

Do you have a favourite era that fascinates you?

Niki x