Les+Annees+Folles

Les annees folles translates to the Roaring Twenties or the Golden Twenties which are both phrases used mainly in Europe and North America to describe the 1920s. The phrases are used to highlight the era’s social, musical and artistic times. The politics returned back to normal after World War I, the jazz music industry grew larger and a new womanhood formed.

The social aspect of the annees folles began with leading metropolitan centers in Paris and London. The industry boomed with new technology, including automobiles and an improved radio. Jazz and dancing became popular as well as transforming classical and folk music into a popular musicality. By the end of 1918 the war time ban of dancing in public was still in effect but by 1919 Parisians were dancing all over the streets. As well as the Moulin Rouge being one of the most raved about dancing halls in Paris.

After World War I women played more of a role in society. Women’s clothing changed from modest to modern and unsensible. It was a social trend that normally classified you as middle-class and a flapper. Cosmetics became popular even though they were generally associated with prostitutes. Women’s dresses changed from floor length with long sleeves and high necks to knee-length with lots of skin showing above the waist. Men’s fashion also changed, making a greater equality between females and males.

Les annees folles was a break in trends. The fashion and music industries changed as well as the economy.