Who among us hasn’t wanted to take home something beautiful we saw in a movie: a piece of furniture, stunning artwork, Daniel Craig. Through the years films have spawned fashion trends for women. Annie Hall in 1977 convinced a generation to learn to tie a double Windsor knot in a necktie and button up a vest in as part of the menswear look worn by Diane Keaton. In the following decade, Jennifer Beals did the same for leg-warmers and an oversized sweater slouched off one shoulder in Flashdance. Designers of home fashions are also taking notes and drawing inspiration from stylish films.
Director Baz Luhrmann’s new reimagining of The Great Gatsby, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1920’s classic, features Leonardo DiCaprio and Toby McGuire in snazzy tuxes alongside a gaggle of young actresses in bright, sleeveless, drop-waist dresses and feathers in their hair. You can almost hear a live band playing ragtime just by looking at the movie poster. This was the era of art deco; bold, graphic prints paired with rich colours and embellishments.
We’ve romanticized the 1920’s for decades now, dressing as flappers in frilly skirts for Halloween and throwing speakeasy parties. It seems like everyone hosted parties during prohibition. Whisky flowed freely in speakeasies, where dames and broads mixed with guys and fellas and it was the bees knees until the coppers showed up and everybody scattered. As long as you weren’t a goon or a grifter you were golden, see, and you and your babe could blow the joint in your bucket and no one would be the wiser.
Canadian company Korhani is getting into Gatsby in a big way with their Puttin’ on the Ritz collection. Known for beautiful, affordable and eco-friendly floor coverings, the company has recently expanded into accessories, chairs and accent pieces. But it’s their durable, beautiful and sensibly-priced rugs that have our attention. Creative Director Kirsten Korhani comes from a fashion background and that was evident when their models for a Fashion Week showcase turned industry heads in dresses made from their Ritz collection rugs.
The show-stopper is Metropole, with its stunning black-and-white, art deco inspired design. Korhani suggests it for an entry-way because it makes such a strong visual impression and it comes in three sizes with the largest, 8’ x 10.5’, just $195.
Michaelis is another Gatsby-styled pattern that would not only ground a room setting but give it movement and bold personality. The Puttin’ on the Ritz collection also includes two outdoor patio rugs. Fay is reversible and its swirly pattern is a more relaxed version of what you might have found in a 1920’s ballroom for $130. Heathercrest has a softer, elegant form in tan and white and is also modestly priced.
The beauty of this collection is its livability. It’s not kitschy or too trendy, rather a spin on new/old classics to build on for a gorgeous look. But if you do decide to capitalize on the Gatsby revival there are a few things no 20’s themed party can do without. Everybody has a friend who knows where the great vintage clothing finds are sold. You need that friend now. Once you’re dolled up, or gangstered up, plan to serve era appropriate Mint Juleps to your guests. For an extra bit of humour, pour the bourbon out of a bottle in a paper bag. Booze is illegal, remember?
Haul out your best tableware, the stuff you save for Christmas, turn up the music by Louis Armstrong, Al Jolson and Jimmie Rogers and let the fun begin. Enjoy some hooch, dance until your