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1920s Style: Prohibition-Era Fashion
  • Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 - Thursday, October 01, 2015
  • Time: 11:00 pm
  • Location: William G. McGowan Theater, Washington, DC

Glamour, sparkle, dropped waistlines, cloche hats, flappers, boaters–alcohol was prohibited–but in 1920s America, the evolution of fashion advanced forward in daring strides. From the everyday to the flamboyant, Roaring 20s fashion broke the rules. Join us tonight as we present an illustrated discussion and fashion show exploring this exciting period in American fashion history.

Moderated by Tim Gunn, star of Project Runway, panelists include John Dunn, fashion director for HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, and Valerie Steele, director and chief curator, Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Following the discussion, in partnership with the Art Deco Society of Washington, we will present a fashion show with models wearing 1920s-style fashions. The evening will conclude with a dance performance by Fidgety Feet. Audience members are invited to dress in period-style costume if they wish, but it is not required.

This program is presented in conjunction with “Spirited Republic: Alcohol in American History” on display in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery. “Spirited Republic” is presented in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of HISTORY, the Lawrence F. O’Brien Family, The Tasting Panel Magazine, and Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.

All public programs at the National Archives are free and streamed live online via the National Archives’ YouTube channel. Reservations are recommended; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors to the building will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. Click here for more information on getting to the National Archives and parking.Live captioning will be available online and in the William G. McGowan Theater. If you require an alternative or additional accommodation for an event (such as a downloadable transcript or a sign language interpreter), please send an email to public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 in advance.