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The Evolution of Fashion by Janet Reed
The 1920's were a happy, youthful, pleasure-filled era. The war was over and wages were up. For many people, the times were very good. Significant advancements in technology would affect the social culture in the decades ahead. Talking moving pictures ended the silent film era and radio broad- casting began which brought the far- away world into nearly 40% of U.S. homes by the end of the decade. The whole family gathered in the living room to listen to sports events, news, musical programs, and comedy shows.
Major advancements developed in the chemical industry as companies redirected their manufacturing from explosives and medicines used during the war to other industrial products. Du Pont, for example, began manu- facturing dyes and rayon at this time.
The American silk manufacturing industry was thriving and found use in

PART I: POLITICAL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
U.S. women's first presidential election to vote
Prohibition went into effect in U.S.
Rise of dictators and Communist parties
PART II: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Growth of the aviation industry
Radio broadcasting began; CBS, NBC formed
Vitaphone created talkies ending silent film era
PART III: ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Standard of living reached all-time high
Growth of the working-middle class
Rise in home owners; new electric applicances
Booming motor car industry in Detroit
American silk mills - hosiery,lingerie, fashion
Growth of women's R-T-W dresses and coats
Heavy advertising; fashion photography as art
PART IV: ART MOVEMENTS
Art Deco style; ancient Egypt influences; Erté
Graphic design integrated with typography
PART V: THE SOCIAL TIMES
The "Jazz Age"; dancing the Charleston
Hollywood glamorized smoking and drinking
The family vacation began; trips by motor car
Sports heroes and growth in recreational sports
PART VI: FASHION TRENDS
Sports costumes and dresses; sweater separates
Bobbed hair, cloche hat, pearl necklace
Shortened hemline; the flapper dress

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The 1920's: "The Roaring Twenties"
undergarments, hosiery, dresses, men's shirts, and ties. The greatest contributor to the robust U.S. economy however was the automobile industry. It was booming and its skillful advertising enticed buyers from all economic classes. This period is noted for consumerism, fueled by the increase in installment payment plans.
This was the era when the artwork of Erté graced the covers of Harper's Bazar. The top fashion magazines promoted many couture designers in Paris, but the undisputed fashion leaders were Patou and Chanel who created the looks women wanted. The sports dress dominated by mid decade complete with a cloche hat and bar shoes. Menswear also adopted casual comfort as the cardigan sweater and flat cap were popularized.
The 20's were also characterized by rebelliousness and the spirit of the freedom-loving flapper permeated society. In America, people defied the Volstead Act and secretly drank alcohol during Prohibition at speakeasies and home parties. The law encouraged underground activity that led to bootlegging, racketeering, and turf wars between competing gangster clans. But the people were emersed in another world enjoying life's pleasures.
They were dancing to jazz music at a nightclub or listening to it through the speaker of their Victrola at home. They were going to an amusement park or to the movie theater to see their favorite Hollywood movie star. Or out playing tennis or a round of golf. They were redecorating their home with new furnishings in "le style moderne" (later to be called Art Deco). They were shopping for the dress they saw in Vogue and were delighted to discover the increasing number of ready- made replicas at a good price. It was all good in the 20's!