Comeback of the Flapper Hat

The recent re-popularizing of the Flapper era style and aesthetics were in part influenced by "The Great Gatsby" which is considered to be a classic work of American literature, and its influence on style and especially hats extends beyond its time of publication. F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote "The Great Gatsby" in the early 1920s. The novel was published in 1925. It’s considered one of his most famous and enduring works, capturing the essence of the Jazz Age and exploring themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. The story is set in the summer of 1922, providing a snapshot of the cultural and social landscape of that era. The novel "The Great Gatsby" is indeed set in the flapper era, specifically during the 1920s. The story takes place in the summer of 1922, which places it right in the heart of the Jazz Age and the time of significant cultural shifts, excess, and social change associated with the flapper era.

While "The Great Gatsby" is a work of fiction, it offers a portrayal of certain aspects of the flapper era, particularly the extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy elite and the disillusionment that followed the excesses of the time. However, it's important to note that the novel is not intended to be a comprehensive or objective historical account of the entire era. Instead, it provides a snapshot of a particular segment of society and their struggles with love, ambition, and societal expectations.

The novel focuses on themes such as wealth, social class, love, and the American Dream, using characters and their interactions to explore these concepts. Jay Gatsby's lavish parties, Daisy Buchanan's flapper-like lifestyle, and the overall atmosphere of indulgence and materialism in the novel reflect certain elements of the flapper era.

However, "The Great Gatsby" is a work of literary fiction, and as such, it emphasizes artistic interpretation over historical accuracy. While it captures some of the cultural and social attitudes of the time, it also uses these elements to create a broader narrative about the human condition and the complexities of desire, aspiration, and identity. Therefore, while the novel provides insights into the flapper era, it is not meant to be a strictly factual or definitive depiction of the era as a whole.

The 2013 film adaptation of "The Great Gatsby," directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, certainly had an impact on re-popularizing the Flapper era style and aesthetics. The film's visual extravagance, lavish costumes, and Art Deco-inspired sets brought the Roaring Twenties to life in a way that captured the imagination of audiences and sparked renewed interest in the fashion and ambiance of the era.

The film's influence on re-popularizing the Flapper era style can be seen in several ways:

1. Costumes: The film featured stunning and highly detailed costumes that epitomized the fashion of the 1920s. The dresses, headbands, jewelry, and accessories worn by the characters, especially the female characters, showcased the iconic Flapper look and helped revive interest in that style.

2. Hair and Makeup: The film highlighted the short bob hairstyles and makeup trends of the Flapper era. Many viewers were inspired by these distinctive looks and sought to emulate them.

3. Event Themes: The film's release led to an increased demand for "Great Gatsby" themed parties and events. People were eager to recreate the opulent and glamorous atmosphere depicted in the film.

4. Fashion Trends: The influence of the film extended beyond the theater, inspiring modern fashion trends that drew from Flapper era aesthetics. Elements like fringe, sequins, and Art Deco patterns found their way into contemporary clothing designs.

5. Cultural References: The film became a cultural touchstone, further embedding the Flapper era in popular consciousness. It sparked discussions about the era's values, fashion, and societal changes.

While the film was not the sole factor, it played a significant role in rekindling interest in the Flapper era style and contributing to a resurgence of 1920s-inspired fashion and themes. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the Flapper era's unique blend of sophistication, rebellion, and cultural dynamism.

The 2013 film adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" played a role in reinvigorating interest in the cloche flapper hat, a distinctive accessory of the 1920s. The film's attention to detail in terms of costumes and set design, combined with its widespread popularity, contributed to a renewed fascination with Flapper-era fashion, including the iconic cloche hat. Here's how the movie helped to reinvent the cloche flapper hat:

1. Attention to Historical Accuracy: The film's production team was committed to historical accuracy in recreating the fashion and style of the 1920s. This extended to the costumes, including the cloche hats. The accurate depiction of the era's fashion in a visually striking way caught the attention of audiences and fashion enthusiasts.

2. Visual Impact: The film's opulent and stylized visuals, under the direction of Baz Luhrmann, showcased the elegance and glamour of the Flapper era. The cloche hats, with their close-fitting design and decorative details, became an integral part of the visual aesthetic, drawing attention to their unique charm.

3. Costume Design: The film's costume designers meticulously researched and created period-appropriate clothing and accessories, including the cloche hats. The attention to detail in the design and construction of the hats added authenticity to the characters and the time period they represented.

4. Celebrity Influence: The film's cast, including well-known actors like Carey Mulligan (who played Daisy Buchanan), showcased the cloche hats in promotional materials and red carpet events. This celebrity association helped bring attention to the style and its relevance in modern fashion.

5. Fashion Trends: The film's release coincided with a broader trend of vintage-inspired fashion, with elements of the 1920s making a comeback in modern clothing. This trend extended to accessories like the cloche hat, which began to appear in fashion collections and retail stores.

6. Event Themes: The film's popularity led to an increase in "Great Gatsby" themed parties and events. Attendees often sought to emulate the fashion and style of the era, including the iconic cloche hat.

Lady Josephine Flapper Hat designed by Darna

The film's impact on reinvigorating the cloche flapper hat illustrates how popular media and cinema can influence fashion trends and revitalize interest in historical styles. The cloche hat, with its close connection to the Flapper era and its appearance in the film's lavish visuals, experienced a resurgence in popularity as a result.