Vintage 1920s Posters

The iconic dresses from the 1920s are called flapper dresses. This name comes from the term flapper, which was used to describe young women during the period who enjoyed personal fulfillment and independence in American cities, particularly as they gained the right to vote and enjoy other freedoms previously reserved for men. Flappers danced at jazz clubs and upended most societal restrictions placed on women at the time, and fashion statements typically attributed to flappers included short “bob” haircuts, higher hemlines and other then-audacious style choices. Find a selection of flapper dresses on 1stDibs.

What era 1920s jewelry is depends on its design. Most people associate this decade with the Art Deco movement, which took inspiration from eclectic sources like Cubism, ancient Egypt and Native American, African and Asian motifs. However, some pieces produced during the 1920s are more in line with the style trends of earlier periods, such as Art Nouveau, Edwardian and Victorian. Explore a diverse assortment of 1920s jewelry on 1stDibs.

In the 1920s, flappers often wore straight, fitted dresses with plunging necklines and knee-length hems. Fringe was a common embellishment used at the time. Flappers also sported pumps and opted for bras and lingerie instead of corsets for undergarments. Shop a variety of vintage clothing on 1stDibs.

To a 1920s party, you can wear a short fringed or beaded flapper dress, layers of long beaded or pearl necklaces, elbow-length gloves and a feathered headband. Another option is to wear an off-white men's suit. Shop a selection of vintage apparel on 1stDibs.

To identify a vintage poster, feel the texture. Authentic vintage posters will usually feel similar to a newspaper, while reprints of originals will usually be on glossy paper with a smooth surface. An experienced art dealer or certified appraiser can aid you in dating posters. Shop a range of posters from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.

To tell if a poster is vintage, first consider the paper. Due to their age, most vintage posters will show at least minor signs of wear around the edges. A poster that appears brand new could be a reproduction. Also, familiarize yourself with the type of paper used for poster printing during the time when you believe your piece may have been produced. For example, you'd expect an original poster from the early 20th century to feel like newsprint, so a glossy finish on a piece would likely indicate that it's a later reprint. Next, grab a magnifying glass and examine the image. If you can see small dots or pixels, your poster was likely produced with printers that emerged during the late 1960s. Vintage posters from the 1970s, 80s and 90s may still be authentic originals if you observe pixelation, but you wouldn't expect to see it on a piece that purported to be older. If you still feel unsure about the age of your poster, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage posters.

Flapper dresses from the 1920s came in a range of colors, although darker hues such as black and navy were immensely popular. Flapper dresses were cut with straight and slim silhouettes, were typically knee-length and had a lower neckline. They were often made from silk chiffon and featured beaded details. You’ll find a selection of 1920s flapper dresses from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

The type of tile that was used in the 1920s was primarily ceramic. Many shapes were available, including basketweave, penny round, pinwheel, square and subway. Hexagon tiles, however, which are still on trend, have been in use in bathrooms since at least the early 1900s. The choice of hexagonal tiles is believed to have been tied to cleanliness, as the small pieces could stand up to aggressive cleaning and could be easily replaced if needed. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of tiles from some of the world's top sellers.

In the 1920s, engagement rings still looked like rings but were representative of a diverse range of styles and influences. Art Deco diamond ring designs took inspiration from the contemporary Cubist movement as well as from ancient Egypt – a revival sparked by the opening of King Tut’s tomb in 1922. Native American, African and Asian motifs also inspired jewelry pieces. Diamonds in square and rectangular shapes incorporating angular steps – like emerald cuts, Asscher cuts and baguettes – were set against black onyx, rubies, sapphires and emeralds to create color-blocking effects. Platinum, 18-karat gold, 14-karat white gold and sterling silver were some of the favored metals of the decade. Find a wide range of Art Deco engagement rings on 1stDibs.

Whether vintage posters are worth anything depends on the piece in question. The age, number of pieces produced, the maker, the subject or theme of the poster and its condition all play a role in determining the value. Because rarity and current demand also influence price, you may wish to work with a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer to determine whether a particular poster is valuable. The former is a big factor, as collectors are said to gravitate toward purchasing a rare poster even if its condition is less than mint. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of posters from some of the world's top galleries.

The art style of antique and vintage posters varies greatly. During the first decades of the 20th century, posters reflected the Art Nouveau style. After World War II, the mid-century modern style influenced designs, and by the 1960s, Op Art and Surrealism provided inspiration for posters. Shop a selection of posters from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.

Coco Chanel was considered one of the leading fashion designers in the 1920s and ’30s in Paris. The first Chanel shop was established in 1910 on rue Cambon by the young milliner Gabrielle Chanel, who had picked up the nickname “Coco” while working as a club singer. The boutique drew the attention of the Parisian fashion elite, who popularized her wide-brimmed Chanel Modes hats. Soon, she added a sportswear store in the Normandy resort town of Deauville, where Coco set the tone for her defining sense of style — traditionally masculine garments reimagined for feminine shapes, made from simple jersey fabric. Effortless and elegant, Chanel's designs promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by complicated layers of fabric and cumbersome corsets. She followed this success with a couture house, opened in 1915 in Biarritz. In 1926, Chanel introduced her first little black dress, reclaiming a color that had once been reserved for mourning and working-class women. That same decade, she debuted her perfume, Chanel No. 5, as well as the Chanel suit with a fitted skirt, inspired by the boxy lines of men’s clothing and employing a sporty tweed. During the 1920s, she also unveiled the predecessor for the 2.55 Flap bag, which remains one of Chanel's most popular offerings. Shop a large selection of Chanel apparel, bags and accessories on 1stDibs.

To tell if a movie poster is vintage, look at it through a loupe or magnifying glass. Older posters were created through a process that applies a solid color to the paper. Reproductions are often produced by a method that uses visible pixels. The size of the poster may also be a giveaway. Research to determine the known sizes of that particular poster will help in your research. Shop a large collection of vintage movie posters from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.