Flapper Fashion for Autumn/Winter 2013 - Part II

The Art Deco influence was a consistent presence in many of the Autumn/Winter 2013 fashion shows. From simple shifts to short and kicky pleats, there was a neo flapper around virtually every corner. If you're in doubt that The Great Gatsby was an aesthetic influence for US and European designers, just check out the movie logo and the geometrically patterned looks below. Coincidence? I think not.

The Gates of Gatsby: J Mendel, Herve Leger, Temperley London, Manish Arora

Glitz and Glamour: Monique Lhuillier, Prada, Julien MacDonald, Gucci

Shimmering Flapper: Just Cavalli, Naeem Khan, Monique Lhuillier

But Deco wasn't the only vintage aesthetic choice on the runways; There was an element of Edwardian to Deco transition in some presentations that was decidedly Downton Abbey-inspired. Lace, embroidery and feminine cuts are the perfect homage to a lovely show. Can't you just see a modern Lady Mary rocking all of these dresses?

Downton Devotee: Alberta Ferretti, Blugirl, Alberta Ferretti, Paola Frani, Blugirl

Flapper Fashion for Autumn/Winter 2013 - Part I

The Great Gatsby is coming out in May and it's sure to be on Netflix by the time fall fashion collections crop up in stores, but that it doesn't mean that Deco will be dead come September. The runways of New York, Paris, Milan and London prove a lingering crush on all things Art Deco, from silhouettes to design elements and patterns. The 1920's-inspired looks run the gamut from simple, boyish cuts to glitzy sheaths that will have the most dedicated vintage aficionado saving their pennies.

Sleek and Simple: J Mendel, Narcisco Rodriguez, Yeohlee, Temperley London

Flapper LBD: Alberta Ferretti, Marco de Vincenzo, Roberto Cavalli

Structured Deco: Alexander Wang, Georgio Armani, Emanno Scervino, Jasper Conran

Time Machine: Blugirl, Zac Posen, Temperley London, Nina Ricci

Flapper Fashion at PFW, LFW, MFW | Autumn/Winter 2012

I couldn't help but swoon over New York Fashion Week's neo-flapper offerings for Fall 2012. Each covetable dress felt like the embodiment of la vraie garçonne, and I wanted each piece to miraculously land in my closet on the double. That being said, Paris, Milan and London Fashion Weeks' shows boasted something a little different different: diversity. Think impossibly feminine chiffon columns contrasted with heavy fabric gowns, angular cutaways, sheer chevrons and corseted leather (!) flapper dresses. Simply jaw-droppingly different.

I'm going to take a moment to set aside my vintage fashion purism and tip my hat to the anything-but-customary Europeans. Check out some of my favorite looks from London, Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks below and prepare to fall in love with Deco in a totally different way!

Tall, Dark, and Handsome: Pucci, Kenzo, John Galliano

Pops of Color: Versus, John Galliano, Givenchy, Jil Sander, Holly Fulton

Ghostly Flapper: Nina Ricci, John Galliano, Nina Ricci