Can you imagine New York in the 1920s? In recently re-reading the Great Gatsby I fell in love with this romantic image of women in drop waist dresses, strings of pearls, ornate head pieces and lace gloves walking arm in arm down Park Avenue with men in tailored suits and slanted fedoras. Nowadays, you simply don't see that classic charm enough--instead of the timeless elegance that was the norm in the olden days you see outfits on the subway that would make even Minaj and Gaga blush.
Despite the decade and new trends, there exists a world in New York where "Flapper Culture" is all the rage and sartorial choices never include belly shirts or jean cut offs. This culture can be seen weekly at various speakeasies where St. Germain and Champagne cocktails sway the crowd and jazz bands swoon their hearts. The 20s obsession flourishes in the Manhattan nights but twice a summer the Jazz age is celebrated in the light on Governor's Island at the Biannual Jazz Age Lawn Party.
Although I wouldn't hold the party up to the standards of those thrown by Gatsby himself; the Jazz Age Lawn Party is as close to 1922 in New York that you may ever get in the year 2012. To paint the scene, upon entry I was blown away by the fashions that were proudly on display; these costumes were not your $49.99 Party City purchases but rather were beautifully aged clothing complete with lace detail and vintage embellishments. Lunch in this 20s universe didn't consist of quick wraps from Au Bon Pain but rather were decadent affairs complete with candlesticks, wooden picnic baskets and assortments of cheese and saucisson purposefully arranged.
Even my fiance and I, who usually opt for jeans and t-shirts, looked as though a fairy godmother twirled a wand over our heads and jazzed us up. Of course, this is the year 2012 and while a cloche hat and pearls was a treat to wear yesterday it isn't something I'm about to rotate into my wardrobe selections on a daily basis.
Nonetheless, it was the bees knees to experience such an indulgent Gatsby-like affair and although everyday can't be lived like it's 1922 that timeless class and charm is something that can be carried over into our decade; and should we ever need a reminder, well, it's good to know that the Roaring 20s are never too far away here in New York.
Although I wouldn't hold the party up to the standards of those thrown by Gatsby himself; the Jazz Age Lawn Party is as close to 1922 in New York that you may ever get in the year 2012. To paint the scene, upon entry I was blown away by the fashions that were proudly on display; these costumes were not your $49.99 Party City purchases but rather were beautifully aged clothing complete with lace detail and vintage embellishments. Lunch in this 20s universe didn't consist of quick wraps from Au Bon Pain but rather were decadent affairs complete with candlesticks, wooden picnic baskets and assortments of cheese and saucisson purposefully arranged. 
Even my fiance and I, who usually opt for jeans and t-shirts, looked as though a fairy godmother twirled a wand over our heads and jazzed us up. Of course, this is the year 2012 and while a cloche hat and pearls was a treat to wear yesterday it isn't something I'm about to rotate into my wardrobe selections on a daily basis. Nonetheless, it was the bees knees to experience such an indulgent Gatsby-like affair and although everyday can't be lived like it's 1922 that timeless class and charm is something that can be carried over into our decade; and should we ever need a reminder, well, it's good to know that the Roaring 20s are never too far away here in New York.
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