Sparkles in a Time of Depression
With long v-cut down the back gowns and beautiful sequin gowns, it is difficult to believe that this period took place during the greatest economic crash in the United States, the Great Depression. This elaborate trends during this era are ones that have never before been matched in beauty. In pinstripes and black and white loafers, the men are more dashing than ever and the women stole the breaths of many in their rhinestone accessorized gowns and fine silk gloves.
As seen in Duke Ellington's video for "Take a Train," the band of male musicians are wearing matching suits, tailored tightly with slick ties and a handkerchief in every side pocket. These men dressed in white are seen playing their tune matched by a lovely woman's voice; she enters the video wearing a white "skirt suit" that enhances her womanly figure. The coat of her suit is lined with the very popular shoulder pads that were eventually seen in most female clothing, including nightgowns. The Female suit, a 1930's must-have, consisted of a fitted jacket with shoulder pads matched with a skirt that was normally pleated, flared or straight. This is a classic Harlem Renaissance beauty, with her wide shoulders and thing waist, and the men in this video only complement her glamour. -Laura G. |
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Men's Fashion This fashion forward man of the 1930's is the renowned poet and author, Langston Hughes. Although he may be famous for his revolutionary literature, he is also a figures of formality, professionalism, and attractiveness in this period. Double breasted suits, bolero jackets, and high-waisted pants were among the popular styles of the Harlem Renaissance. Tweed is the fabric used to make Langston's dapper jacket. This fabric along with Rayon, were widely used for their inexpensiveness because of the great economic crisis.
Hats were becoming a closet staple for both men and women; this one is called a Fedora. This fashion trend has continued throughout the years, but it originated in a time where it was commonly worn by writers and musicians. The hat has become a symbol of intelligence and prestige. -Laura G. |
Women's Fashion Josephine Baker, the Marilyn Monroe of Harlem and the sex symbol of the "New Negro Woman", stars in the classic film, Moulin Rouge. She is seen wearing a typical 1930's floor length gown and sequins gloves at the beginning of the video, and later on she transforms into a lustful dancer in a classic skirt that is longer in the front than the back to reveal her beautifully shaped legs. She is a woman of power and beauty. Many women strove to achieve a look similar to this one, as they plucked their eyebrows thin and raised, pinned back their hair in swirly buns, and chose gowns of silks, and cottons.
Other than the iconic night life styles known from this era, these women wore casual sun dresses, pleated skirts, and high waisted trousers. Polka dot patterns were very popular, and women were known for sewing and making their own clothing. Fashion designers like Coco Chanel and Elsa Shiaparelli were at the time, up-and-coming, but their revolutionary designs have prevailed and have grown in popularity. Women of this era are seen as elegant, free spirited, and independent, forever being the sources of jealousy for the modern woman. -Laura G. |
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