From sleek bobs to the beaded shift dress, the roaring ’20s was an era that epitomised classic glamour. Men were dapper in tailored three-piece suits and patterned ties, while women were effortlessly elegant in satin dresses and ornate headdresses. And with this week’s premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby bringing flapper fashion to the world stage, Daisy Buchanan’s classic style is once again having its moment.
The look of The Great Gatsby woman centres on indulgence and excess, with sequins glittering beneath sparkling chandeliers and decadent jewels dazzling as women drank champagne. Inspired by Gatsby, Tiffany & Co. have released ‘Jazz Age Glamour’, their latest collection filled with art-deco designs. Platinum and diamond bracelets, layered fresh-water pearl necklaces and a magnificent diamond-encrusted headpiece with detachable brooch, are all pieces reminiscent of the flapper era. To find your own piece of art-deco heaven, try scouring markets, vintage boutiques and estate sales. Hidden gems are often just waiting to be found and will be the finishing touch you need to recreate your Gatsby look.
Johanna Johnson’s spring/summer 2013 collection, ‘Still is the Night’, embodies classic 1920s style with flowing satin gowns, with striking jewels and complemented with dramatic headpieces and jewellery. Clean, sophisticated lines and exceptional detail create a stunning, timeless bridal look and adding the iconic 1920s veil will complete any art-deco inspired ensemble. Crafted from dreamy silk tulle, the veil fits snugly around the top of the head, floating softly down the back to the floor and is embellished with jewelled hair clasps or tiaras.
Recreating the signature 1920s makeup is easy, as many of the era’s signature looks and techniques have never gone out of fashion and can be seen on catwalks and in editorials today. Follow Elizabeth Debicki’s example, as Jordan Baker, and highlight your eyes with dark, smoky eye shadow, lashings of black mascara and a lick of liquid eyeliner on your upper lid. Eyebrows should be thin and polished, framing your eyes. Lip-liner will allow you to recreate Elizabeth’s heart-shaped pout, which you can then fill using lipstick or stain in rich, berry hues.
For brides who want to create their own Gatsby-inspired affair, look for venues with high-ceilings and soft, golden lighting, such as the Enmore theatre and Grace hotel in Sydney or the San Remo ballroom in Melbourne. And for a car that Gatsby himself would be jealous of, try Hire A Classic or Fifth Avenue Vintage Automobiles.
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