The Parisian Euphoria of the 1920s April 23, 2025

Paris in the 1920s was a giant party seducing visitors from across the globe. From appreciating artist ateliers to enjoying café at La Coupole, there was a surrealness through the city’s veins. Spectators soaked up this exuberant ambiance of Paris that pulsed with a vibrant energy, and a cultural renaissance fuelled by liberation and artistic expression.

A GLAMOROUS PLAYGROUNG

Paris in the 1920s was labelled as ‘Les Années folles’ or The Crazy Years. This was an era of lliberation and exuberance after the horrors of World War I. Montmartre was the heart of Parisian glamour and home to the iconic Moulin Rouge. This legendary cabaret, with its windmill silhouette, was a spectacle of dazzling costumes, risqué dance routines, and a whirlwind of entertainment. The can-can was the rage, and the atmosphere was one of uninhibited joy. While the Crazy Horse de Paris might not have existed in its current form in the 1920s, the spirit of daring and avant-garde performance was alive in venues across the city. Cabarets showcased innovative acts, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with their boldness.

A CITY OF HIDDEN DELIGHTS

Paris had an infectious energy in this decade that made people feel a sense of freedom. With it followed a thirst for excitement and a taste for the forbidden. Unlike America, Paris offered a relaxed attitude towards alcohol, though there were still secrets to be discovered. Speakeasies, though not illegal in the same way as in the US, still held an air of mystery and exclusivity. Hidden behind unmarked doors or in the back rooms of unassuming cafes, these clandestine bars offered a haven for those seeking a more intimate and adventurous experience. Jazz music filled the air, classic and innovative cocktails flowed freely, and the conversation buzzed with the energy of a city
embracing change.

These speakeasies were more than just places to drink. They were cultural hubs where artists, writers, and socialites mingled, forging connections and shaping the spirit of the age. Beyond the speakeasies, traditional bars and cabarets also thrived. But even in these established venues, the influence of the era’s rebellious spirit could be felt. The speakeasies and bars of 1920s Paris were a reflection of the city, signifying a place where tradition and modernity intertwined, where secrets were whispered and dreams were pursued.

A FASHION REVOLUTION

The influence of this rebellious spirit was visible in the fashion scene as well. Gone were the constricting corsets and elaborate gowns. In their place emerged a new, liberated silhouette that reflected the modern woman’s changing role in society. Coco Chanel was at the forefront of this revolution. Her designs emphasised comfort and practicality, with simple lines and loose shapes that allowed women to move freely. The garçonne look, with its dropped waistlines and shorter hemlines, became the defining style of the era.

This newfound freedom in fashion extended beyond daywear. Evening dresses shimmered with sequins and beads, often featuring daringly low necklines and backs. The focus was on glamour and sophistication, with designers like Jeanne Lanvin creating exquisite gowns that captured the spirit of the age. While the banana dress as we know it, associated with Josephine Baker’s iconic performances, came a bit later in the decade, it’s important to remember that the seeds of this daring and expressive style were already being sown in the early 1920s.

Parisian fashion was all about pushing boundaries and embracing individuality. Accessories played a crucial role in completing the look. Cloche hats were omnipresent often tilted at a jaunty angle, while long strands of pearls added a touch of elegance. Women embraced makeup, with bold lipstick and rouged cheeks becoming fashionable. The fashion scene in 1920s Paris was a reflection of the city itself, dynamic, innovative, and unapologetically glamorous. It was a time when women dared to break the mould and express themselves through their clothing, leaving a lasting legacy on the world of fashion.

A WHIFF OF MODERNITY

The cultural and social change of this decade extended to the world of fragrance. Scents were considered more than just pleasant smells. They were an expression of the changing world and represented freedom, independence, and self-expression. Women were breaking free from traditional constraints, and their perfumes reflected this newfound sense of liberation. Gone were the heavy, overpowering scents of the past. In their place emerged lighter, more modern fragrances that captured the spirit of the age.

Perfumers experimented with new ingredients and techniques, creating scents that were both sophisticated and daring. Launched in 1921, Chanel No. 5 became an instant classic. This iconic fragrance embodied the modern woman, confident, elegant, and expressing herself. Its abstract, floral-aldehyde composition was revolutionary, and it quickly became a favourite of fashionable women. Guerlain was another brand that made its mark on the 1920s fragrance scene. Shalimar, with its sensual blend of vanilla, incense, and citrus, was a bold and exotic choice. It evoked images of faraway lands and passionate romance, perfectly capturing the era’s adventurous spirit. Other popular perfumes of the time included Lanvin’s Arpège, a floral symphony that exuded femininity, and Molinard’s Habanita, a smoky, woody scent that was considered quite daring for its time.

 A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

The 1920s was also a time of culinary innovation and sensory exploration. Chefs and mixologists were pushing boundaries, experimenting with new combinations and techniques to create culinary experiences that were both exciting and memorable. The world of cocktails saw mixologists experiment with aromatic ingredients to create unique and tantalising concoctions. Lavender, with its calming floral notes, was used to infuse gin or vodka, adding a touch of elegance to classic cocktails like the Aviation. Citrus oils, such as lemon and orange, were staples in many drinks. They provided a refreshing zest to cocktails like French 75, which became a popular choice. When it came to culinary exploration, chefs embraced the use of herbs and spices to enhance flavours.

Rosemary, with its earthy and slightly piney aroma, was a popular choice for roasted meats and vegetables. Thyme, with its subtle minty and lemony notes, was used to season soups, stews, and sauces. Vanilla, with its warm and comforting scent, was a favourite in desserts. Almond extract, with its nutty and slightly sweet flavour, was another popular ingredient in baked goods. 1920s in Paris was a whirlwind of sensory delights, a cocktail of cultural revolution, daring fashion, intoxicating fragrances, and vibrant flavours. From smoky jazz clubs to elegant salons, the city pulsed with a creative energy that continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art, style, and joie de vivre.