The twentieth century bore incredible changes in literature, art, fashion, politics and technology and it did it all with distinctive style. The 1920s brought with it some of the first major departures from the past on a vast, overarching scale. The Cubists and the Fauves had tried to break away from tradition in the early 1900s but the Great War interrupted everything and by the time it was over, the world had been nearly decimated. From the ashes, rose a new artistic ideal that quickly spread to every branch of art and birthed the true beginning of the twentieth century. Elegance and glamor took on new life, personified by The Great Gatsby.
The daring dresses of scandalous flapper girls weren’t limited to the fringed costumes we’re familiar with today. These fabulous drop-waisted beauties were often weighted down with heavy, elaborate beading that sparkled and jangled with the Charleston.
Femme fatale vamps like Myrna Loy graced the silent silver screen and ushered in a glamorous tradition of filmmaking that still influences Hollywood today.
Artists like Tamara de Lempicka embraced the new art deco architectural style and brought it to painting with precision and dynamism. Strong features, brilliant color contrasts and sharp, jarring angles characterized her distinctive style.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is one of America’s greatest literary contributions and summed up the 1920s with startling self-awareness and clarity. Perhaps even more iconic than the tragic story, however, is the beautifully eerie cover art, designed by Francis Cugat.
No speakeasy would be complete without a sidecar, made with cognac, Grand Marnier and lemon juice and served up. Salut!