Gangster style owes a lot to cinema for a special chic that attracts people to this day.
It was he who sang the romantic and daring image of bandits who run all the criminal cases in America in the early twenties of the last century.
Why did the style become interesting to many?
Prohibition adopted by the United States at that time, contrary to expectations, did not bring sobriety to its people. Instead, smuggling and the underground sale of alcohol flourished. Bandit clans and groups got their hands on a new powerful form of receiving funds, which quickly filled the black box office. Now, in the sphere of gangster interests, there were not only raids, robberies and extortion, underground gambling and drinking establishments became commonplace.
Because every faction wanted to take a big bite out of this pie, gang wars started. The police took the side of those who paid more. Clan structures were different in their hierarchy and national characteristics. We can say that the gangster style itself appeared thanks to people from Italy. Bandit groups, which were called families, because they were based on close and distant relatives. Severe economic andthe depressive situations of that time pushed young people into the arms of the mafia in search of a better life. Naturally, having received easy money, people tired of poverty wanted to emphasize their success and power.
Costumes
Clothes and jewelry became the first changes in their lives. Therefore, the bandits sewed suits to order from the best and highest quality fabrics. As a rule, they shone with shine or had a defiant pattern of vertical stripes. Suits in the style of gangsters could hardly be called an exquisite outfit of a gentleman from high society, but, of course, there was a special gangster chic and courage in them. After all, clothing was also an indicator of high status in the clan. Shirts were bought in very expensive shops. Many even had a monogram with the name of their owner. The costumes consisted of a jacket, vest and trousers. Their style corresponded to the fashion of that time. The trousers were very wide, the jackets were long and double-breasted, and the waistcoat often added a special chic to the wearer. And silk embroidery or embossing was then a very popular decoration for these clothes. Shiny boots with snow-white leggings and a wide-brimmed felt hat completed the look.
The outfit and style of the gangster were completed by a tie with a diamond-studded hairpin, a silk handkerchief peeking out of the breast pocket with a hem, or a flower threaded into the buttonhole of a jacket. A boater hat, very fashionable at the beginning of the last century, was also used as a headdress. Of course, it is difficult to imagine these gentlemen of fortune unarmed. Therefore, immediatelyI remember films where Thompson submachine guns are held by dashing gangsters. The style of these guys' clothing complements the weapons.
Dresses and women's outfits
The daring bandits have always been accompanied by beautiful ladies. In poor areas, every girl from childhood dreamed of becoming the lover of a tough gangster. The most fashionable and beautiful clothes were provided to a beautiful girl if someone from the mafia group liked her.
Naturally, no one thought about the possible terrible consequences or a prison term. Easy money, gold and diamonds became the decisive argument in favor of meeting dashing guys.
Beloved bandits bought outfits in the most expensive stores. And the gangster-style dress was in line with the latest fashion of those times. Then femininity and sexuality literally broke into the fashion environment, thanks to the movement of suffragettes and feminists, which became widespread in the United States. Dresses could be long with an exciting neckline or open back, fitted or cropped in a straight cut. Embroidery, embossing, stone embroidery and, of course, furs and feathers were used as decorating details. The headdresses of the fair sex delighted with their grace. These were all kinds of hats, decorated with feathers, flowers or a brooch.
Gangster style for women was no less ostentatious than for men. Therefore, the girls always had a lot of precious jewelry. Pearl threads adorned long women's necks in multilayered coils, rings sparkled on their hands.and bracelets. And on special occasions, diadems with diamonds crowned the head, even buttons were made of precious stones. The manner of dressing with such chic did not leave fashion designers indifferent, and periodically the gangster theme appears on the catwalks of the world. Therefore, when arranging a party or a celebration in this style, you can choose the right style of clothing if you take a little time to search.
Men's hairstyles
To create the perfect look, you need to make hairstyles in the style of gangsters. It will be easier for men. Although it should be remembered that in those years, briolin and special lipstick for mustaches and hair were very fashionable.
A side-parted or slicked-back haircut for men, created with foam and varnish, will be a pretty decent imitation of the style popular at that time.
Women's hairstyles
Lady's hair will also need styling for the twenties of the last century. Curls and waves, styled or loose, were as popular as they are now. The main condition is accuracy. Each curl lying in its place and frequent waves will create a vivid image of the film star of those times.
Curled hair can be styled with a side parting or gathered into a bun, splitting the curls at the back of the head into a loose roller. You can decorate it with studs with pebbles or beads. An interesting finish to the hairstyle will be a silk ribbon tied around the head and decorated with a feather or a brooch in the form of a flower.
Makeup and other equally importantMoments
Don't forget about makeup: bright red lipstick and a fly on the cheek or above the lip will match the spirit of that time. If the party is planned at home, and you will have to create the entourage yourself, you should decorate the room with small details typical of underground casinos. A green tablecloth and a tape measure will do just fine, dimmed lights and interestingly shaped bottles, as well as posters with photos from gangster-themed films, will also live up to the declared name.
Conclusion
Now you know what the gangster style is, where it came from. We also paid attention to clothes and hairstyles of this subject. We hope that the information presented in the article will be useful to you.
