Spring is a time of rebirth. The trees turn green, birds chirp and plants begin to grow. New life blooms in the spring; the passing of the season brings not only life, but warm weather. With the changing weather, the clothes worn must transform. This spring, a myriad of different trends are budding, including revamped 1920s and 1940s forms of dressing for the 21st century.
This spring seems to be inspired by the new adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” with the platitude of 1920s fashion trends streaming into modern-day attire, from classy polished oxfords to fringe filled loose dresses. Gucci debuted a collection complete with loose-fitting stream-lined dressing, along with Ralph Lauren, Etro, and Marchesa. Fringe is definitely in this spring, but in an approach differing from past seasons.
One of my favorite approaches to this 1920s style was the dress January Jones, lead actress from Mad Men, wore to the 2011 Golden Globes. Reveling, yes. Risqué, yes. Kid-appropriate? Not so much. However, the Versace dress was a vibrant shade of red whose workmanship and ‘20s-inspired appeal drew me in. Another notable representation of the modern-day ‘20s I loved was the dresses Marchesa debuted during their spring 2012 RTW runway show.
Not only are we drawing inspiration from the 1920s, this spring we are looking to the ‘40s. We seem to be at a time inspired by the past.
The major trend reoccurring in modern item from the 1940s is peplum. Peplum shirts, peplum skirts, peplum dresses. The peplum trend is making a big comeback this season.
I think that style is beginning to transform in America. We are departing from the trashier style Americans have been infamous for, and approaching a new age, or more of an old age revitalized. The times they are a-changing.