Simple, Short & Shocking

After World War I, a major revolution in women's fashion began with waistlines dropping and hem lines rising to heights never before seen. Women began using noticeable cosmetics, smoked in public and drank alcohol. Hairstyles were cropped short and the close fitting cloche style hat or beaded headband became popular. The Flapper symbolized youth, rebellion and freedom.

Busty women began wearing girdles to try to fit the boyish ideal. Dresses, generally sleeveless, continued to shorten as dances such as the Lindy Hop became popular and women required freedom of movement. Clara Bow epitomized the flapper look and became Hollywood's "it" girl.

Art Deco heavily influenced home décor, architecture and fashion. For the first time, the essence of couture became available to the masses. The simplicity of design and small quantity of fabric required enabled manufacturers to copy the styles of high fashion. Mass production of Rayon, also known as artificial silk, began during this decade.