Inspired By: Boardwalk Empire

Posted by Lucy McBride on October 21, 2012 · Leave a Comment

“They were smart and sophisticated, with an air of independence about them, and so casual about their looks and clothes and manners as to be almost slapdash. I don’t know if I realized as soon as I began seeing them that they represented the wave of the future, but I do know I was drawn to them. I shared their restlessness, understood their determination to free themselves of the Victorian shackles of the pre-World War I era and find out for themselves what life was all about.”

-Colleen Moore, writer.

This quote by writer Colleen Moore summarizes life in the 1920′s, a time when pleasure and innovation severely clashed with tradition – one of the most fundamental decades in American cultural, artistic, economic and political development.

Already in it’s third season, HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” chronicles the morally questionable politics of the Prohibitionary Era in Atlantic City during the early 1920′s. If you don’t watch it, you’re missing out; the show is phenomenal, mostly due to an Emmy-nominated cast including Steve Buscemi, Kelly Macdonald, Shea Whigham and Michael Shannon, but also for the supremely true-to-time setting and costume design.

As a lover of fashion from decades past, I’ve found myself eyeing certain pieces and presentations from both female AND male characters in the show. In truth, 20′s fashion is not exclusive to fringed flapper frocks and feathers, anyone with a sartorially-savvy eye can appreciate some good ole’ fashioned print-mixing, tweeds, tartans, expert tailoring and intricate beading.

(Imaginary Forces, NY Daily News, Rolling Stone, E! Online, Swurdin, HBO)

This season, I’ve noted a particular resurgence of 20′s-inspired ensembles and sartorial touches on streetgoers, bloggers, models. Take a look at my “Empire Inspired” picks to help you channel the lavishness of a truly fabulous era…