Production News - The 20s Collection

Every season, we try to bring out new and interesting designs. Every year, we look to launching something special. Last year, we launched menswear, the year before was the start of our 60s collection.

This year, we are delighted to launch our fledgling 1920s collection.  This short blog post will give an overview of what we are up to at the moment. I can't possibly cover all our research and plans on one post - plus i except it will be a bit boring. But anyway - enjoy xx

Design & Inspiration

From a designers point of view, the initial 1920s shape was fairly simple with much less complex pattern work than other decades. However, there was so much imagination through the fabrics used (rich velvets & chiffons), print and wonderful embellishments and decoration such as beading, jewellery and headwear. All to create one of the most chic and elegant eras in fashion.

This is the start of so much change in womenswear heralded by social change. 

Although the main shape is very simple, the 20s look was so much more than just a drop waist flapper dress. Its amazing how much variety was created through draping, godet insertions, neckline styles, gathers and frills. 

What i love about the 20s:-

- art deco print and style line echoes 

- the a-symmetry! In neckline or hemline

- gorgeous hats, headwear and shoes 

- all the accessories

A Modern Perspective

Although i have now become somewhat obsessed by the 20s, and have acquired many lovely original garments and repro accessories too, I did consider the style to be fairly unwearable for our modern life. I considered it fairly unflattering. However, after dressing for a party last year I changed my mind completely and i think I have been unfair on the era! (although this may have been due to all the terrible fancy dress flapper dresses around)

Its safe to say that the early part of the decade was fairly frumpy and certainly, we prefer the styles from 1925 onwards. However, I was surprised by comments from the curvier ladies at the party who said they genuinely felt great in the straight dresses. I imagine for those of us who are apple or pillar shapes then this can be a really flattering style.

Our Collection

see our collection here

Since there are many gorgeous beaded dresses already around, we have decided to focus on chiffon and velvet styles.

The collection contains two chiffon dresses and some jewellery at the moment but we hope to add another dress style soon in velvet. Due to the time of year, we are focussed mainly on dresses for parties or evening wear but expect to add some daywear into the new year and early spring production.

I also want to add a coat into the collection - but there is so much to do first!

We are also delighted to be working with vintage milliner Lily Lewis to bring some beautiful headwear to go with our dresses. She has designed a exclusive selection which is matches beautifully with our new dresses and is coming very soon!

My marvellous hat!

Further reading and resources:-

- Art Deco Fashion - Suzanne Lussier

- Fashion Sourcebook 1920s - Charlotte Fiell & Emmanuelle Dirix

- The cut of Womens Clothes - Norah Waugh

- Sears resource book - 1920a

Our 1920s collection can be seen here http://www.thehouseoffoxy.com/en/1920s-fashion