Flapper, 1920's
Lilly Pulitzer fall collection, 2013
Similarities: Both are slim-fitting, but not form fitting, and seem to be made of similar silvery or metallic fabric that gently reflects the light. The embroidery or beading is similar, as well as the necklines.
Differences: The Lilly Pulitzer dress is obviously much shorter. I would venture to guess that the fabric quality and craftsmanship are higher, as processes for making clothing have improved over the decades. It is interesting to note the the height of the heels is much different. The flapper is wearing what we call 'kitten heels'; shorter and easier to walk in. The Lilly model is wearing full heels.
Background info: According to the Lilly Pulitzer blog, The Juice Stand, the designers at Lilly were inspired by the new Great Gatsby movie and the "Roaring Twenties". During this time the cultural of change in the US, hemlines were getting shorter and fashion more daring.
Questions to consider:
1. If the flapper was suddenly transported to the future and asked to wear this dress, how to do think the difference in culture from the 20's to present day would affect her perception of it?
2. What are the physical differences between the authentic flapper dress and the Lilly Pulitzer dress?
3. How would the Lilly Pulitzer dress/model be perceived by the people of the 20's?
age: 44
ReplyDeletegender: Female
1. I believe that a flapper would be shocked and intrigued if transported to the future and asked to wear the Lilly Pulitzer dress. The flapper style was considered risqué and overtly sexual compared to the fashions that came before it. I would guess that if a woman would make the jump to dressing as a flapper, it might not be too difficult to consider wearing the modern version.
2. The length, waistline (drop waist vs. fitted), stiffer material in the modern dress.
3. I think that the Lilly Pulitzer dress would be be the equivalent of walking around in only undergarments to the establishment of the 20s.
age: 19
ReplyDeletegender: female
1. I believe that the flapper would be surprise to be asked to wear that dress because even though they were considered risk taker and rebellion back in the '20s but our fashion now is much more daring than before. I wouldn't be surprise if she say "yes" but it is a big gap between now and then.
2. The flapper is a thicker than the model from the Lily Pulitzer and from that picture you could see the difference between culture. They liked thicker and rounder women then and now we prefer thinner and slimmer body structure.
3. I believe that the people from the '20s would think the model have no moral or value because of the open-minded wardrobe.
age:24
ReplyDeletegender: female
1) The flapper if placed in our time and was used to our culture would probably not hesitate to wear the piece. they were risk takers trying to be bold and go out there.
2) The flapper is a little bigger, but while taking risks with the dress she is still covered up while still being modest. while the Lily girl is very small and showing everything off. Flappers were risk takers showing some skin and not showing everyone, everything you have.
3) The people of the 20's would think the Lily girl has no self or family respect. basically walking around in a bra and panties. Flappers still wanted to take risks but did it in a tasteful manner.