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updated 11 Jun 2013, 12:18
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Tue, Jun 11, 2013
ST Urban
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Fashion experts give tips on working the 1920s look today

Mr Daniel Boey, fashion director:

The way to adopt the 1920s trend in a modern way is to avoid wearing the entire look from head to toe.

You want to look fashion-forward, not like someone wearing a costume or a relic. I suggest picking only one 1920s item and matching it with other modern day apparel.

For example, you could pair a cloche hat with a white shirt and wide-legged pants.

Go for any colours that suit you, but avoid pastels and acid colours as they do not represent the 1920s era. Strong, rich colours in a metallic shade work well as they are representative of that era.

Mr Lionnel Lim, fashion publicist:

The easiest way to adopt the 1920s flapper style is to wear a drop-waist dress with high-heeled Mary Janes and Art Deco-style jewellery.

Not everyone can rock the look, though. The ideal physique should be boyish, with a flat chest and a straight silhouette down towards the hips.

For a modern take on the drop-waist dress, go for brighter shades with either cap or fitted three-quarter sleeves. These will allow you to better show off dainty diamond watches, bangles or rings.

I would also recommend tops or twin-sets with a drop-waist silhouette, worn with pleated skirts.

I like the contrast of a top made of stiffer material paired with a bottom of softer material, or vice versa. For example, a tailored jacket could be paired with a pleated chiffon skirt or a sheer knit twin-set with a satin skirt.

I don't advocate dressing from top to toe in flapper gear. Instead, opt for certain touches here and there. For example, wear Art Deco-inspired jewellery or carry a clutch with a tunic.

Ms Circe Henestrosa, fashion curator at Lasalle College of the Arts:

Wear a sleeveless flapper-style dress that ends just above the knees instead of mid-calf, as was the style in the 1920s.

The straight and loose silhouette is comfortable and appropriate for Singapore's hot climate too.

Alternatively, you could go for a simple little black dress, which was a classic then and still is a classic today.

I would suggest choosing a muted Art Deco pattern, such as graphic prints with geometric shapes, as a nod to the 1920s.

For those who want to go bold, choose bright, solid colours, such as electric lime green and bright purple, to make a modern-day colour-block statement. If you want to stick to historical references, go for silver or gold.

Heels can be in a T-strap style, which was popular then.

For accessories, opt for long beaded necklaces, Egyptian-inspired accessories or embellished Art Deco-style jewellery, such as long earrings. Feathers on hair accessories are also a good option.


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