The Roaring Twenties, a decade defined by its exuberance and cultural transformation, is indelibly marked by its flappers. These women redefined femininity with their bold fashion and liberated attitudes, becoming symbols of a new era.
Lois Long
Lois Long, known by her pen name “Lipstick” Long, was a prominent figure in the world of journalism, especially at The New Yorker. Celebrated as “Miss Jazz Age,” Long made her mark in the male-dominated newspaper industry with her sharp wit and keen insight.
Joining The New Yorker in the early 1920s, Long left Vanity Fair for a promising salary of $50 a week—remarkable for a woman of that time. With her striking bobbed hair, cigarettes, whiskey, and flapper attire, Long epitomized the flapper lifestyle both in her personal life and her writing.
Her commitment to her work was evident in her habit of returning to the office in the early morning hours, drenched in the remnants of a night spent reveling. Long’s vivacious personality and candid observations made her an integral part of the flapper movement, reflecting the essence of the era.
Colleen Moore
Colleen Moore, born Kathleen Morrison on August 19, 1899, began her film career with The Bad Boy in 1917. Though her personal demeanor was modest and reserved, Moore’s on-screen presence as a flapper captivated audiences and earned her the title of “Flapper Queen” of Hollywood.
Her role in Flaming Youth showcased her transformative talent and solidified her place in cinematic history. Moore’s decision to adopt a sleek bob haircut propelled her to superstardom, earning her a substantial salary of over $10,000 a week. F. Scott Fitzgerald famously noted, “I was the spark that lit up Flaming Youth; Colleen Moore was the torch.”
Mary Pickford
Mary Pickford, born Gladys Louise Smith in Toronto in 1893, became an iconic figure known as “America’s Sweetheart.” Her prolific career included 52 feature films during Hollywood’s formative years, where she portrayed everything from youthful innocents to sophisticated flappers.
Pickford’s marriage to Douglas Fairbanks played a crucial role in her career development. She starred in landmark films such as Pollyanna, Sparrows, My Best Girl, and Coquette, contributing significantly to the evolution of cinema. Her influence extended beyond the screen, shaping the industry and popular culture.
Clara Bow
Clara Bow, the quintessential “It Girl” of the 1920s, embodied the vibrant spirit of the flapper era. Her unique blend of beauty, charisma, and allure made her a defining figure of the decade. Born into poverty in Brooklyn, Bow’s early success came from winning a beauty pageant at 16, leading to a celebrated Hollywood career.
Despite facing personal struggles, including a dramatic family conflict, Bow’s on-screen persona and magnetic presence captured the essence of the flapper lifestyle. Her role in the film It established her as a cultural icon, with her personal life reflecting the fiery and adventurous spirit she portrayed on screen.
These four women—Lois Long, Colleen Moore, Mary Pickford, and Clara Bow—each played a significant role in shaping the Roaring Twenties, embodying the dynamic spirit of the era through their groundbreaking contributions to culture and entertainment.