THE ROAR ING 2020s

How has fashion changed in the last 100 years and where is it headed?

BY AUDREY SAVAGE • DESIGN BY MELISSA BORGERDING •

AR BY AUDREY SAVAGE & SAVANNAH NAGY

THE 1920s were a revolutionary time for fashion. Hemlines rose and silhouettes shifted, becoming key characteristics of the decade’s signature look, the flapper girl. Jazz and blues artists sporting art deco fashions played a quintessential role in cultivating these groundbreaking new styles.

The 1920s brought another monumental change to women’s clothing through the introduction of a daring and shocking new garment: pants. Pants represented more than an item of clothing; they served a key part in women gaining equality. Women began wearing pants when opportunities became available to them in male-dominated domains such as sports and careers. However, wearing pants as a woman was still considered a bold and audacious choice because of unrelenting traditional gender roles. Just like the 1920s, the 2020s are bound to break conventional fashion norms due to many factors—an emphasis on fashion as a means of self-expression, the rapid growth of technology and experimental trends that push boundaries. The signature style of the 2020s is still in the making. Therefore, the goal of this shoot was to create 1920s-inspired looks within the context of today’s fashion, while utilizing cutting-edge technology that will likely become more prevalent in the coming years.

When designing these looks, the past, present and future were simultaneously held in mind. To pay homage to the women of jazz and blues, one outfit was based on Josephine Baker and Bessie Smith, two highly influential artists who revolutionized both fashion and music. In addition, a jumpsuit was designed to commemorate the trailblazing women who pursued careers and sports. The jumpsuit was not only inspired by aviators and factory workers, but also by showgirls, who sometimes wore tuxedos for their performances.

Since the 1920s, countless fads have come and gone, but 100 years is a short time in the grand scheme. It’s crazy to think that pants and shorter hems for women are relatively new. We will likely see technology increasingly impact fashion, whether that be through high-tech textiles, virtual fitting rooms or beyond. Who knows what shocking turns fashion and technology will take in the next few years, let alone 100?

01: FIRST CHOICE — LET NO MAN PUT ASUNDER (DAM SWINDLE REMIX).....(7:34)

02: ISAIAH RASHAD — CLAYMORE (FEAT. SMINO)........................(3:06)

03: COCTEAU TWINS — CHERRY-COLOURED FUNK..........................(3:12)

Catch a groove to disco, listen to the rhymes of hip-hop or daydream to dream pop with STUDIO 23!

BY SHAKEEM JONES • DESIGN & AR BY SHASH COMANDUR