"Chicago 1920s-1930s" clothing style tells us exactly where and when it originated. These years became significant due to the rapid growth of crime led by gangsters, whose images are well known to everyone from films about the mafia. But Chicago in the 1930s wasn't just about serious guys who didn't respect the letter of the law. This is a special style, intertwining luxury (albeit sometimes false), brilliance, morals without boundaries...
Mafia spirit and a shortcut to money
Sometimes you can’t help but think about why history so carefully cherishes and preserves bloody atrocities, favors murderers and hanged men, literally glorifying them.
Why is an antihero still the only key to the success of any film or bestseller? It is unknown why the human psyche is structured this way. But it’s designed that way, so a gangster-style party promises to be memorable and fashionable.
40 degrees of history
The introduction of Prohibition in America turned alcohol into the sweetest, most profitable “forbidden fruit”; the Italian mafia put the production of the prohibited drink in first place, trying to increase profits.
Alcohol has become very fashionable. The number of people drinking increased, not decreased, but the Federal Center and local authorities could not resist this.
Who doesn't know Al Capone, who became a millionaire during Prohibition? This now world-famous mafioso is the hero of many books and films.
Bonnie and Clyde are known for the brutal murders of this couple. They understood in advance that they were doomed, so they were fearless, daring, and arrogant like no one else.
Robberies, thefts, murders. At the same time, they had some incredible luck, an instinctive instinct, so the bloody lovers more than once came out of the water unscathed.
What about John Dillinger? Just think, he started out by stealing chickens! But acquaintance with the criminal world and hatred of the authorities changed John beyond recognition. Hacked safes, millions of banknotes and gold coins packed in bags, corpses of police officers shot at point-blank range.
This is such romance.
Style Features
The Chicago style was created not by famous couturiers, but by ordinary US citizens, residents of the metropolis. In the late twenties and early thirties of the twentieth century, Prohibition was in force. This period is known as the Great Depression. Clandestine drinking establishments opened everywhere. Gangsters often rested here, and they knew how to dress. They had money and loved luxury.
Not to be outdone, other visitors also decided to change their wardrobe a little. The men put on suits with interesting designs, hats, ties, showed off, if not a pistol holster, then suspenders, and boldly unbuttoned their jackets. Women shortened their dresses.
About the code of clothing in the style of Chicago of the 30s
Image and atmosphere
American retro has a special, intoxicating appeal; cinematic masterpieces about those times have become legendary. “Deja Vu”, “Some Like It Hot”, “The Godfather”. Gangsters, police, beautiful girls. Session in the style of Chicago 30s - cool.
The dress code for such a party is half the success. Men dress up in elegant suits, and seductive beauties wear stylish retro hairstyles and bright makeup. Cigars, wads of money and revolvers are welcome.
What should a gangster be like?
Gangsters were real trendsetters, they were at the forefront of it, having two dozen shoes, fifty suits, changing cars like ordinary gloves. A diamond in a tie clip was especially chic. In a word, beau monde.
The suit, made to order by gangsters, is a double-breasted jacket, just like in the 90s in Russia, a classic two or three piece. The fit is impeccable, the boots are shiny, the shirts are immaculately ironed.
A plain shirt could be a very bright color; thin stripes were not prohibited. Instead of a tie, a chic bow tie was also allowed. Headdress – Borsalino hat made of high-quality felt.
Important!
Maximum resemblance to the image of a Chicago gangster can be achieved by wearing stylish white gaiters (or socks); snow-white gloves are ideal. Don't forget about accessories that suit your style. A handkerchief or notebook sticking out of your pocket will look extremely appropriate.
Shoes that were fashionable in those years are also interesting. These are classic leather low shoes, with a round toe and a wide and low heel.
“Chicago piano”, Tommy gun, “engine of trade”, Thompson submachine gun, “trench broom”, “death machine” - this was the name of the most terrible weapon of the mafia, which became a symbol of gangster showdowns.
The famous Thompson, if desired, can be glued together from ordinary cardboard, and it will look like a real “gun”. In addition to paper, you will need springs and screws to mount the sight. For lack of time, you can buy a toy machine, the price of which ranges from 300 to 3000 rubles.
How to dress for ladies: dresses in the style of Chicago of the 30s
- Ladies can dress up in chic silk dresses; a fur cape and boa would be appropriate.
- The hat can also have a veil.
- The stockings will look simply chic, and if they have a revolver tucked into them, then it would be appropriate.
- A thin string of pearls, gold, rings - all this is recommended.
- Diamonds are not even specified, if any. Every pretty girl's best friend can sparkle like never before.
- Much attention should be paid to makeup: eyes should be expressive, lips should be bright, skin should be pale and perfectly smooth.
Women's fashion was not at all innocent, but it was extremely feminine. In those years, dresses were often made with a rectangular silhouette.
Note!
The cutout on the back of the erotic Marilyn Monroe in the film Some Like It Hot gives the impression that there is no underwear. Monroe on stage in a cocktail dress literally shows a light, mesmerizing striptease. The bra cups are sewn into such dresses; costume designers did this to emphasize sexuality.
Chicago style hairstyles
A hairstyle in the style of Chicago of the 30s requires not only special attention, but also dedicating time to it. These can be rollers, the modeling of which uses different linings.
The creation of cold waves and beautiful curls is encouraged. A spectacular side parting is also possible.
Hair styling in waves will create an elegant look, emphasize charisma, and add expressiveness to the face. To style your hair in the style of the 30s, you need to arm yourself with a hairdryer, hairspray, fixatives and a comb.
Style Features
The Chicago style was created not by famous couturiers, but by ordinary US citizens, residents of the metropolis. In the late twenties and early thirties of the twentieth century, “prohibition” was in force. This period is known as the Great Depression. Clandestine drinking establishments opened everywhere. Gangsters often rested here, and they knew how to dress. They had money and loved luxury.
Not to be outdone, other visitors also decided to change their wardrobe a little. The men put on suits with interesting designs, hats, ties, showed off, if not a pistol holster, then suspenders, and boldly unbuttoned their jackets. Women shortened their dresses.
The sparkle of diamonds was beyond the means of many. It was often replaced by glass imitations, which sparkled no worse. Instead of expensive fabric, cheaper materials were used. Their quality was less important, because a brightly colored tie or a scarf in a jacket pocket attracted attention. Natural fur began to be replaced with artificial fur. The country's economic crisis could not force everyone to give up hope for the best. People sought to create a beautiful illusion. For clothing, they chose the style of celebration, confidence, freedom and carelessness.
Home furnishings for Cosa Nostra
American interior in the style of the 30s, frankly speaking, is unattainable in a hurry. You can’t redecorate a completely furnished room. Characteristic of that time were oak wall panels, solid solid furniture, and paintings hanging on the walls. But at the very least, you need to create a background for photos of the participants.
Particular attention should be paid to the design of tables and the serving of alcohol.
Forbidden drinks were sold in the 1930s in clandestine bars that were cleverly disguised. Or for a simple tea shop, or for a pharmacy, or for some kind of stationery store.
Upon entry and before serving a drink, a password was asked to avoid friction with the police. Orders could also be made in a conventional language.
Various posters can be printed. Roulette, card table, antiques, chips, cigarette holders - all this will help create the right atmosphere.
Accessories
A small envelope handbag, boa, bright jewelry – these are the accessories that a woman who decides to dress in Chicago style needs. Women wore expensive beads on a long thread. Fishnet stockings were in fashion. This is how ladies attracted the attention of men. Costume jewelry was chosen in white, black or metallic colors. Feathers were also used in dark and ivory shades. Emerald-colored accessories were popular. In Chicago style, it was important for women to choose gloves, a hat, a handbag and shoes in the same color.
For men, the only accessory they will need is a wallet. You can take a cane and an umbrella with you if the weather requires it. For the Chicago style, it is acceptable to wear a cigarette case and use a spectacular elongated cigarette holder.
Chicago themed party program
The party will be decorated by:
- Casino with scammers
- Thematic game
- Police raid
- Bank robbery
Nicknames and clans
Everyone who arrives at the party is given marked cards.
Each of them indicates belonging to one of the gangster families.
At the very beginning, each of those present must fill out a special Camorra (Honorary Mafia Society) card. It contains the real name, nickname or party name, and a short description of the character's character.
Achtung!
The wretchedness of fantasy will certainly produce many Al Capones, Clydes and Bonnies. It is recommended to warn guests that the name must be original and fictitious.
During the party, the host will read out a gangster nickname and ask the audience to guess who is behind it. Next, the cards are laid out on a roulette wheel, and a lottery of prizes takes place, which can be absolutely anything: Dillinger’s master key, a pack of spaghetti from the Godfather, a police secret code, etc. Clans may well compete in group games and competitions.
Fashion shows and competitions
The partygoers dressed up for a reason, so organizing a fashion show would be very helpful.
The Green Cutting competition will amuse the audience. Those who wish are blindfolded and cut off “bills” tied to strings and printed on a printer.
Everyone can become a participant in the competition with cards. Those wishing to participate are given a deck of cards. The first part of the task is to hide the cards on the body in different places as quickly as possible. This can conclude the competition. The second part poses a more difficult task - to find a card of a certain suit and value.
In short, you can use a lot of competitions for fun, rewarding participants with small dollar bills or various kinds of stylish souvenirs.
Let's play Mafia. Are you ready to die from a gun or a knife?
Today it is difficult to imagine how such a party can do without the most popular game “Mafia”, which brings inimitable delight to both children and adults. The game is psychological in nature and requires artistic ability, self-control is encouraged.
The optimal number of participants in such a game is eight people. But it’s not scary if there are more or less people. So, the participants in the game are dealt cards face down.
If the suit is red, then the player portrays an honest resident; if it is black, then he is a mafioso. The one who gets the red jack is appointed commissioner.
Like in the song:
“Commissar Catani is the jack of trumps.” By the way, the game gained popularity in the 80s after the release of the film Octopus.
Representatives of the mafia meet at night, when the presenter announces that the city is sleeping, because a dark night has fallen on the peaceful city. The mafia opens its eyes and sees each other, gets to know each other.
Then the mafia falls asleep, the presenter asks the commissioner to wake up, now the presenter knows who “Katani” is.
During the day, residents “figure out” the mafia, the suspect with the most votes goes to prison, that is, simply put, drops out of the game. Revealing the “unfortunate” card, the presenter tells the audience whether a gangster was “killed” or a civilian was mistakenly punished.
At night, the mafia silently “shoots” one of the townspeople, pointing to the leader with gestures at one of the participants. The awakened commissioner has the right to inquire about someone; the presenter can show him with gestures what status the person the commissioner suspects has.
The mafia lies dishonestly, everyone pretends to be an ordinary resident of the town. The team whose members are completely killed loses.
