Speakeasy Style

Some things are more fun when you’re not supposed to do them. Sometimes, more rules leads to less control.

Take the Speakeasy for example. During the Prohibition era in the United States, underground bars and clubs illegally served alcohol. It was also one of the first times in history when young men and women could get drunk together. Of course back then, it was probably a lot more exciting. After all, during this time in history, many people slaved away in dangerous factories, risking their lives in manufacturing jobs. In other words, our grandparents needed a freakin drink.

While long gone are the days of illegally imbibing, we can still pay homage to the fancy yet gritty era that was the 1920s.

I wasn’t around in the 1920s but I imagine a little something like this: It’s late, and thus pretty dark. You and your girls wanna break some rules, bust some moves, and knock back some drinks. So you curl your hair, put on some jewelry and sneak off down the block to a dingy, poorly lit speakeasy. It’s smoky, there’s jazz music and everyone has a drink in their hand. As you look around, you see the glitz and glam of Art Deco style, shaded by the scandalous night.

This scene inspired the Speakeasy pieces from my Modern Art Deco collection. While the black and gold convey a refined and classic look, the rough edges and finishes are intended to soften and dress down the overall feeling. Imagine a gorgeous gold bracelet, seen in shadow and partially illuminated by lamplight.

Explore the Speakeasy aesthetic in my Etsy shop