Dancing With Daisy

Take part in the revival of an era known for extravagant evening dress, excessive parties and an all-around “live for today” lifestyle.

With the remake of The Great Gatsby coming out later this year, a resurgence of the most lavish decade of the last century hit the runways for Spring 2012 - The Roaring 20’s. It was a time to be care-free and leave any worries at the door. Now, almost 100 years later, extravagant and excessive merely reference our technology habits while our lifestyle has become so fast-paced and future-focused that we all live in the “five minutes from now.” So instead of simply reviving the fashion of that era, perhaps we can borrow a bit more. These are some tips for throwing the best damn cocktail party this turn of the century!

All That Jazz

Music is an important part of any party and especially so when setting the mood for this one. A large influence throughout the 1920`s became the rising popularity of music and dance. Entertainment became a main focus for any good party. The playlist for this cocktail should consist of Jazz music and that alone (a live entertainer will really make you the cat’s meow). You can look to any great Jazz musicians throughout history, though Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington are specific to that era. Feeling extra adventurous? Try learning the Charleston to show off to all your guests.

Fabulous Frocks

Designers ranging from Gucci to Ralph Lauren, dropped waistlines and 1920’s glitz popped up all over the Spring runways. Using inspiration from original Flappers, guests will easily find updated versions of the iconic look in many of their favourite retailers this Spring season. Typical Flapper dress consisted of:

Glitzy, beaded drop-waist dresses, strappy shoes, adorned head-pieces, strings of pearls, bobbed locks or finger waves, and dark makeup. Girls get ready, you will be dressed to impress and mingle the night away!

Speakeasy, Old Sport

During the times of prohibition, all drinking was done in residential parties or seedy bars (Speakeasy’s) making atmosphere another important aspect of capturing the roar of the 1920’s. Most suggestions include hosting the party outdoors, at night – very Gatsbyesque. The idea is to create a sensual, dimly lit-setting - letting the décor speak for itself. Gin was typically the alcohol of choice; martinis the drink of choice.

In terms of décor, only lavish will do –glitz, glamour and anything with a sparkle. Decorations should emulate the dresses your fabulous guests are wearing. Accents done in colours of golds, silvers or any brights will work smashingly. In the 20s, the guests enjoyed their surroundings to look as done up as they did.

It is now time for the party to start. "The bar is in full swing, and floating rounds of cocktails permeate the garden outside, until the air is alive with chatter and laughter, and casual innuendo and introductions forgotten on the spot, and enthusiastic meetings between women who never knew each other's names" - The Great Gatsby.