Flapper
in the Roaring Twenties, the term "Flapper" described a modern type of women and a new trend that represented changes in women's lives and attitudes. 'Fun' was one of the very definitions of the flapper.
The term originated in Great Britain when a new trend of wearing rubber galoshes came into being where the galoshes were left open, making a flapping noise while walking. The term spread throughout the United States and Europe associated with liberated young women. It was also used as a description of girls of the awkward age, the mid-teens, suggesting they have yet not reached maturity and dignified womanhood. The flapper was defined by boldness, confidence and sexappeal. Nutritional regimens were held to meet the requirements of the new fashion that asked for slim figures, flat chests and slim hips. The dresses were boxy, hanging straight from shoulder to knee, the waist was hidden and the legs visible. Compared to earlier fashion the style of the flapper allowed more freedom in movement. Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel was one of the most important designers for the flapper look. Instead of having their hair long, flappers cut, bobbed, curled or waved them, generally wore short hair. Make up, which was usually expected to be worn by prostitutes, became important for the flapper style. The flapper's eyebrows were tweezed and they attempted to make their mouths look small and puckered like that of Clara Bow who was one of the leading models for the flappers. Sometimes people referred to her as the "It" girl for she was considered to have "it": she was openly sexual, innocent and fun.
The flapper was the embodiment of motion, intensity, energy, volatility. By their rather boyish appearance, volatile behaviour (swearing, smoking…) and unmarried status, the flapper challenged the female codes. The flapper repudiated traditional morality and femininity. Also, they made an assault on the prerogative of masculinity by competing with men in the business world and going to saloons drinking. The new trend meant a shock to conservatives who, unsuccessfully, attempted to prohibit the style by charging fines.
The end of the flapper era came with the stock market crash of 1929. The economic depression made society more serious almost overnight and affected the new women's style that was then defined again by dropped hemlines.
Bibliography
"Flappers." Fashion, Costume, and Culture: Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear through the Ages. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 3 January 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.
Yellis, Kenneth A. "Prosperity's Child: Some Thoughts on the Flapper." American Quarterly 21:1 (Spring, 1969): 44-64.