early 20's jazz suits: more info on specific culture...

[mike]

I'm bringing this into its own topic from nathan marsak's suit collection thread to try to get some more information. I'm really curious to know more about the culture and geographical location of this phenomenon. What bands, books or anything really that spearheaded this movement? What archetype typified this suit?! Clear distinct fashion changes often have social/generational/philosophical abrupt differences that make them leave 'the flock'. As this is apparently precedes by many years or atleast exists separately from Flappers or Zooters, what is this all about!?

 

[Vintage Betty]

The suit shown is wonderful. It is a direct decendent from a 1910 suit, but with a few modifications:

The suit is very nicely trimmed out, with an unusual trimming that appears to be satin or leather on the lapels.

The cutaway of the late 1800's - early 1900's era has been continued, with a higher cut that used to be appropriate for high-waisted pants of the late 1800's etc. What they did with your suit was retain the high cut and closure of the jacket, but add some really cool buttons to the mix to make it trendy.

The addition of more than normal pockets is also the "new generation" and one that starts modifying the dandy or slimline appearance of the late century to 1910.

Now, with the jacket change, you will see changes to the pants. Remember, the gentlemen's pants changed from slim fitting and high waisted to more loose fitting through this era with the lowering of the waistline.

You can definately see the bones of a "zoot suit" in your example, as well as the material to back up this transition.

I'll try to add more into this dialogue when I have more time.

Cheers-

Vintage Betty

 

[mike]

bump!

 

[Marc Chevalier]

:eusa_clap Betty has done an excellent job. I really don't have anything to add. Wish I did, Mike!

 

[mike]

But would this something say the likes of Fletcher Henderson popularized? Would it have come out of a certain geographic location?

For instance, the Exploited were the first band to really have mohawks, before that punk haircuts were more johnny rotten-looking. The Exploited kicked off this more extreme look and it spread well beyond just their band. Was Fats Waller the poster boy for early 20's fashions?! I appreciate both Vintage Betty and Marc's help, maybe I'm chasing something that there's not enough documentation [huh]