20th Century Fashion Accessories

  I went on to look into each era of the 20^th century. Where the 17^th-19^th centuries blurred into one era, with only slight changes in dress and technology, the 20^th century saw an extreme development in technology, materials and more importantly population – increasing demand for luxury goods. Each era throughout this century posed a different and evolving style of dress, which I found particularly interesting. I decided to create different mood boards for each era and see how my designs progressed and generated through this.  I derived most of my research from a book called ‘Fashion Accessories: The Complete 20^th Century Sourcebook’. I found this book very helpful as it included a lot of written detail as well as sectioned pages of visual accessories. The book depicts changes in accessories throughout the decades, using thorough visual representations. Firstly, I explored 1900-1920. I found the most commonly worn accessory was headwear; usually made from horsehair, straw and felt; held on upswept brims. These hats/caps were heavily decorated with feathers, flowers and bows, often made from silk. I liked the use of feathers, which were often coloured ostrich plumes. The use of these feathers creates drama and extravagance without worry of placement or direction. The direction in fall of these feathers gives a natural edge to these humanly shaped accessories.  I was also interested in the popularity of umbrellas and parasols. I liked how different their style and practical use is compared to modern day umbrellas. The materials and decoration are of good quality and use exquisite applique and embroidery created by hand. I like the use of fringing and tassels as décor on handles and as trim. The bags I came across were small and mostly dark in colour. Framed in silver, these bags are pleated, embellished and fringed with beads and pendants such as pearls.  I love the use of excessive decoration and embellishment as it adds drama to fashion and also because it made women look cluttered, as if they were desperate for attention and acknowledgment.