Latest news with #JazzAge
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
The peak before the fall: Jazz, glamour, Gatsby and a short-lived Golden Age
One of the most consequential figures of the Jazz Age, arguably, was a now-forgotten man named Wayne Bidwell Wheeler. He was the driving force behind the National Prohibition Act of 1919. When the consumption of alcohol was made illegal, prohibitionists argued this would help cure a host of ills ranging from domestic violence and political corruption to alcoholism itself. What the Act famously did was help shape crime in the United States, and create a new and profitable field of business: the covert distillation, transport and distribution of alcohol. The most famous of these bootlegger-millionaires was Al Capone, who controlled much of the illegal activity conducted in Chicago between the years of 1925 and '31. He ran breweries and brothels, but was also hailed as a modern-day Robin Hood for his charitable contributions. When the Great Depression hit in 1929, Capone organised one of the city's biggest soup kitchens, feeding about 2,200 people three times a day. Capone was unique among the mobsters of his era for a couple of other reasons too: he readily employed black people; and he was a fan of jazz. There is a story about how he once asked Johnny Dodds to play a song. When the clarinetist said he didn't know it, Capone reportedly tore a $100 bill in two, gave one half to Dodds, and said he would get the other half when he learnt to play it. Another time, a group of Capone's henchmen more-or-less kidnapped the jazz pianist and singer Fats Waller as a birthday present for their boss. Waller stayed with Capone for three days. He was given all the food he could eat, plied with endless glasses of champagne, and was reportedly paid $100 a song. Waller left Capone's company unharmed, and thousands of dollars richer. The eccentricities and the sense of excess and debauchery in F Scott Fitzgerald's classic, The Great Gatsby (1925), draws directly from this world. Fitzgerald was about 22, a young soldier on leave for the weekend, when he visited the Seelbach hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, in the late-1910s. There he met a man named George Remus, who had started out as a criminal lawyer (in both senses of the phrase), and was now a millionaire bootlegger. Remus bought bonded liquor from before Prohibition and distributed it under the guise of medicinal use. His men then staged hijackings of their own delivery trucks, so they could resell the same alcohol at a much higher price. Remus also ran his own distilleries in Cincinnati, moving this booze around through tunnels. And he threw lavish parties, featuring scantily clad dancers and gifts of diamond stick pins and new cars for guests. In that other classic, Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 film The Godfather, one sees more of how Prohibition changed the face of organised crime in the US. Salvatore Maranzano organised the Italian-American mob into five families: the Maranzano, Profaci, Mangano, Luciano and Gagliano. He then declared himself 'the boss of all bosses'. He was promptly murdered in a hit ordered by Charles 'Lucky' Luciano, who then set up The Commission, a governing body made up of members of the five families of New York, and representatives from other parts of the country. Meanwhile, crime was merging with a new wave of music in New York City. The original bootlegger of the era wasn't Capone. It was likely a man named Arnold Rothstein. When Prohibition hit, he invested in speakeasies, and smuggled Scotch whisky into the country in his own fleet of freighters. The character Meyer Wolfsheim in The Great Gatsby was based on Rothstein. The speakeasy was where one went to have a drink. Some of these establishments were seedy, others were fashionable. Some managed to be both. New York's 21 Club saw visitors such as Humphrey Bogart and Joan Crawford. It remained fashionable even after Prohibition ended, in 1933. Similarly, Harlem's Cotton Club started off as an outfit where the gangster Owney Madden could sell liquor to the people of Harlem and ended up being one of the most fashionable places in New York — and the heart of the Harlem Renaissance. New Yorkers, regardless of race, crowded there to see the likes of Duke Ellington (1899-1974) and Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) perform. These fashionable clubs attracted a new kind of woman: the Flapper. She challenged ideas of what a woman should be — in her clothing, behaviour, attitudes to sex and liquor. She had her own slang in which a divorced woman was a fire alarm, and engagement rings were handcuffs. The Jazz Age may have come to an abrupt halt in 1929, with the great Wall Street crash and the onset of the Great Depression (which would drag on for 10 years, and be followed by World War 2). But by this time, culture had become a thing of the masses. Gender roles had been altered forever. So had art. Music. Movies. The world had changed. And would change again. (K Narayanan writes on films, videogames, books and occasionally technology)
Scoop
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Heirloom Glamour: Tracing Family Threads Through Fashion Talk
A stunning hand-made, beaded, flapper dress from the 1920s is the star of Whanganui Regional Museum's next Outfit of the Month fashion talk, taking place at 12:15pm on Friday 6 June. Presented by Pou Tiaki/Collections & Curatorial Lead, Trish Nugent-Lyne, the talk will delve into the fascinating story behind this exquisite garment – from its possible origins in the Netherlands or Indonesia to its journey to New Zealand in the 1950s. The dress was donated to the Museum in 1996 by Christiana Rietveld. Christiana'sdaughter Melanie Ellis recently visited the museum to share her memories and provide valuable context, including a photograph of Christiana wearing the dress in the early 1970s. Raised in Holland after a dramatic start to life in Indonesia, Christiana had treasured this heirloom, passed down through the family. 'This dress is a beautiful example of 1920s fashion and craftsmanship, but it's also a deeply personal piece with a story that spans continents and generations,' says Trish Nugent-Lyne. 'It's a privilege to share not only the garment itself, but the life and memory of the woman who wore and cared for it.' Following the talk, the outfit will be on display throughout June, giving visitors a chance to admire the intricate beadwork and craftsmanship up close. This event is free and open to all, with koha or donations welcomed to support the Museum's work in preserving and sharing our region's rich history. Don't miss this chance to step back into the glamour of the Jazz Age and uncover the moving story behind one woman's cherished dress. Founded in 1892, the Whanganui Regional Museum is internationally renowned for its Taonga Māori Collection. Located in Pukenamu Queen's Park, visitors can view the exceptional creations of tupuna (ancestors) of Whanganui tangata whenua (indigenous people) alongside a changing exhibition programme encompassing a world-class collection of natural and human history, with a regional emphasis. The ground level boutique museum store sells a range of local and Māori jewellery, books, cards, art, and other New Zealand-made gift items. The Whanganui Regional Museum Trust is an independent legal entity that owns the collection and governs the development of the Museum on behalf of the Whanganui community. Open to visitors daily from 10.00am to 4.30pm (except Christmas Day and Good Friday), entry to Whanganui Regional Museum is free. Connect with Whanganui Regional Museum at
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Vintage Chicago Tribune: Roxie Hart's evolution — from Beulah Annan to Broadway and the big screen
'Chicago The Musical' debuted on Broadway 50 years ago. Directed by Chicago native Bob Fosse and starring Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera and Jerry Orbach, the tale of an unfaithful wife who murders her lover then works the judicial system to secure her freedom was set against the backdrop of Prohibition and the Jazz Age. Though critics — including the Tribune's Don Kirk — largely panned the production, its story has staying power. A 1996 revival has more than 11,000 performances on The White Way, according to Playbill. That makes 'Chicago' the second-longest running show on Broadway after 'The Phantom of the Opera' (13,981 performances) and the longest active show. Vintage Chicago Tribune: Murder, mayhem and 'all that jazz' — the real women who inspired Oscar winner 'Chicago'The musical's story was based on actual events that happened in — you guessed it — Chicago in the early 1920s. Its plot, written by short-time Tribune reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins, was ripped from the headlines, many of her own for the paper. And Roxie Hart, the name of its lead character, was probably inspired by a 'dashing beauty' of the same name from Centralia, Illinois. Hart appeared before a packed courtroom in Watkins' hometown of Crawfordsville, Indiana, to testify during a 1914 murder trial. Here's a look back at the woman who inspired 'Chicago' and those who have portrayed the scandalous seductress on stage and screen. To learn more about how 'Chicago' went from Murderess Row to Broadway and then on to movies, order: 'He Had It Coming: Four Murderous Women and the Reporter Who Immortalized Their Stories.' The life of Beulah Annan has been the basis for every portrayal of Hart. Already twice wed and a mother by the age of 24, Annan was satisfied by neither. Through her job at a Chicago laundry, Annan met Harry Kalstedt. Walks together quickly progressed to day-drinking in her apartment while her mechanic husband, Albert, was at work. A drunken disagreement on April 3, 1924, led Annan to shoot Kalstedt with her husband's revolver. She sat with the body for hours as her phonograph wailed the jazzy tune 'Hula Lou' on repeat. Ironically, the first phone call Annan made was to her husband: 'I've shot a man, Albert. He tried to make love to me.' When her husband arrived home, he found Annan covered in blood and called the police. Watkins picked up the investigation of Annan for Kalstedt's murder and it remained front-page news. 'They say she's the prettiest woman ever accused of murder in Chicago — young, slender, with bobbed auburn hair; wide set, appealing blue eyes; tip-tilted nose; translucent skin, faintly very faintly, rouged, an ingenuous smile; refined features, intelligent expression — an 'awfully nice girl' and more than usually pretty,' Watkins wrote. During the inquest, Annan's lawyer W.W. O'Brien claimed, 'Both went for the gun!' Annan said if she didn't shoot Kalstedt, then he would have shot her. After her trial was continued several times, Annan made an announcement — she was pregnant. The claim moved her case to the front of the line. But many wondered — could a beautiful woman expecting a baby get a fair trial? 'The verdict is in your hands and you must decide whether you will permit a woman to commit a crime and let her go because she is good-looking,' prosecutor William McLaughlin told the jury. 'You must decide whether you want to let another pretty woman go out and say, 'I got away with it!'' 'And they did,' Watkins wrote. Less than two hours into deliberations, the all-male jury came to a not-guilty consensus on the third ballot. Husband Albert Annan, who stood by his wife during the trial, was overcome with joy and gratitude. 'I knew my wife would come through all right!' he said proudly. Beulah Annan then thanked each member of the jury individually and posed for a photo with them. Watkins used the trial's twists to write a three-act play, 'A Brave Little Woman,' the first she would write while attending the new Yale School of Drama in 1926. When it debuted on Broadway later that year it was called 'Chicago.' Larrimore was not supposed to be the first actress to portray Hart on stage. She replaced Jeanne Eagels who, according to the Tribune, made rehearsals difficult. That didn't stopped Eagels from sitting in the front row during a performance, where she supposedly 'made faces' at her successor. When the show arrived in Chicago in September 1927, Larrimore was still the lead actress in the production. The Tribune described her as 'vivid and immensely funny.' The story was praised as 'a hearty and favorious romp that makes rich sport of the yellow newspapers. the criminal lawyers, the judges and the juries, and all the bunk and blah that go with the killing of a man by a pretty woman.' Chicago audiences also loved it — the show played for nine weeks. An advertisement for the first screen version of 'Chicago' — produced by Cecil B. DeMille — described the 1928 silent film as 'more melodramatic and much funnier than the stage play.' The Tribune reviewer (who filed under the pseudonym Mae Tinee), however, said 'they have slaughtered Maurine Watkins' play. 'The clever, satiric, diabolically human, uproariously funny play that could so well have been made into just such a picture has had all its fine parts ironed out. It has been fluted and tucked and dyed (including Hart's hair which became blonde for the first time) a la DeMille and the result is just a fussy, ordinary melodrama that is rather funny in spots.' Depite the disdain, Haver's work in the film was praised as 'believable.' Yet again, Watkins' tale was rewritten for the screen — in 1942's 'Roxie Hart,' it was told as a retrospective. 'The public always expects a newspaperman to do a lot of drinking,' reporter Homer Howard (played by George Montgomery) said before toasting to Hart (played by Ginger Rogers) at a tavern (with William Frawley of 'I Love Lucy' fame serving as bartender). He then told the story of the beautiful murderess — who's become a showgirl in this iteration. Though the movie is just 75 minutes long (and available on YouTube), the Tribune reviewer said it 'would have been nice if the director had known just when to end his epic.' Still, Rogers' portrayal of Hart — 'who had yearned for her picture in the paper more than anything else in life' — was called 'deft.' The first musical version of Watkins' play opened on Broadway on June 3, 1975, with Gwen Verdon as Hart and Chita Rivera as Velma Kelly. Verdon, who had to bow out of the production because of illness and was replaced by Liza Minnelli, claimed it had been her idea to adapt the play into a musical. The vaudeville-esque show ran for 936 performances over almost two years. Tribune critic Don Kirk didn't like it. 'Oddly enough, the combined efforts of some of Broadway's brightest talents somehow fail to get it all together. … They call the show, 'Chicago,' but one gets the clear impression they never thought of visiting the place to savor its peculiar ambience and seriously attempt to recapture it in music and words.' The show's lukewarm reception could have also been in part to a blockbuster show which opened the same year — 'A Chorus Line,' which captured many awards. But in short measure, Tribune critic Chris Jones wrote, ''Chicago The Musical' — with a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Ebb — greatly exceeded the fame and influence of the play that was its source. 'Over time it came to be known as the quintessential Fosse musical, the most famous work of the Chicago-born choreographer known for his hyperspecific movement vocabulary of turned-in knees, angled, attitudinal body parts, muscular twitches, sideways shuffling and jazzy, animated hands.' The 'more cynical, darker show,' as Tribune critic Merrill Goozner described it, was given a 'black box setting' with actors and dancers wearing basic — but barely there — black costumes. Slinky dances accompanied fast-paced music from the orchestra, which was seated on a raked bandstand in the background. 'All That Jazz,' 'Razzle Dazzle' and the 'Cell Block Tango' were pumped out with vigor, Tribune critic Richard Christiansen wrote. Column: How Ann Reinking choreographed not just 'Chicago,' but captured the essence of the city itselfReinking, Fosse's muse and confidant, played Hart in the revival. It debuted Nov. 13, 1996, at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York. Among the show's numerous Tony Awards, Reinking won one for her choreography. Turns out, the star of 'Bridget Jones's Diary' could sing and dance — perhaps not as naturally as her more experienced co-star Catherine Zeta-Jones (who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Velma Kelly) — but better than anyone might have expected. 'This is a honorable, and largely successful, film version of a deliberately dishonorable Broadway show, based in turn on Maurine Dallas Watkins' disreputable and popular 1926 play about a cheap tart who gets away with murder,' Tribune critic Michael Phillips wrote in 2002. Thanks for reading! Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago's past.
Global News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Global News
Sip the season with aesthetic drinkware
The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms. Like the finishing touch on a perfectly styled outfit, aesthetic drinkware adds character to every sip – whether you're unwinding solo or hosting a seasonal gathering. To help you raise your glass in style, we've curated a vibrant mix of designs that blend form and function, from timeless classics to playful, eye-catching pieces. Read on for aesthetic finds you don't want to miss. Vintage Art Deco Nick and Nora Coupe Glasses Channel the spirit of the roaring twenties with these ribbed Nick & Nora glasses – a nod to Art Deco elegance with a shape tailored for classic cocktails like the martini, sidecar, and Manhattan. Holding 5oz to the rim, they're equally suited for contemporary favourites, from a citrusy lemon drop to a bold Trinidad sour. $59.99 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement Small cocktail glasses Set of 4 Delicately designed, these petite glasses will elevate any after-dinner digestif or a midday pick-me-up. Crafted from lead-free crystal and dishwasher safe, each set includes four glasses in two sizes. $30.00 at Simons Vintage Crystal Champagne Coupe Glasses Echoing the glamour of the Jazz Age, these vintage-inspired coupe glasses are perfectly sized for champagne or a classic cocktail – from a crisp martini to a bold Manhattan. Holding 6oz to the rim, they strike the right balance for 4–5oz pours with ice, making them an elegant essential for any home bar. Hand-blown from luxurious, lead-free crystal, each glass feels delicately light yet surprisingly durable – dishwasher-friendly for easy clean-up, without sacrificing grace. Tucked inside a 1920s-style gift box (complete with a few favourite cocktail recipes on the back), this set of six makes a thoughtful gift for weddings, anniversaries or stylish soirées. $59.99 on Amazon (was $66.99) Blume Cloud Mug White Cloud 9 mugs reimagine your daily latte with oversized handles and a sleek ceramic finish, making every sip feel like a little celebration. Microwave safe and best cared for with a gentle hand wash. $24.99 at Story continues below advertisement You may also like: Caffeinated beverages printed pillow case – $12.00 Ceramic Dinner Salad Plates – $55.32 Gold Cutlery Set – $79.99 Spice Drawer Organizer – $27.99 Ivory Table Runner – $17.99 Ribbed Glassware Vintage Drinking Glasses Iced coffee hits different in these elegant ribbed glasses – perfect as a thoughtful gift or a little luxury for yourself. $28.99 on Amazon Vintage Art Deco Blush Pink Coupe Glasses with Gold Rims Ready for the ultimate girls night? These blush pink coupes bring a flirty touch to every celebration. Perfectly shaped for bubbly champagne and espresso martinis, they hold a generous 7oz to the rim – just right for 5–6oz pours with ice. $59.99 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement Unbreakable Whiskey Glasses Tough enough to take a tumble, yet refined enough for your finest bourbon – Bravario's shatterproof whiskey glasses are crafted from crystal-clear Tritan for a look that mimics glass without the worry. $45.99 on Amazon Glass Coffee Mugs Keep your coffee cozy and your fingers cool with these double-walled glass mugs. Light, lovely, and crystal clear. $35.3 on Amazon (was $39.22) Unbreakable Stemmed Wine Glasses Michley's stemless red wine glasses take a classic silhouette and reimagine it in crystal-clear Tritan, a virtually unbreakable material that looks like glass but performs like something far more durable. Designed with a generous bowl to enhance the aromas of full-bodied reds, they make swirling easy and elegant. Perfect for everything from outdoor picnics to poolside parties, these feather-light glasses are shatter-resistant, BPA-free, and safe for both kids and adults. $29.99 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement You may also like: Glass Hurricane Candle Holder – $66.98 Acacia Wood Cake Stand – $79.95 Cheese Board and Knife Set – $23.97
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Art Deco Girl Names That Radiate Vintage Glamour Charisma
If you've ever admired the sleek, glamorous vibe of The Great Gatsby or wandered through buildings with intricate geometric patterns and metallic finishes (the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building are two of the best-known examples!), you've experienced the magic of Art Deco. A design movement that gained popularity in the 1920s and '30s, Art Deco is known for its bold geometric shapes, luxurious materials, and a sense of modern elegance. Art Deco was all about embracing the future while still honoring the past, blending both with a touch of glam that made everything from architecture to fashion feel sophisticated. And its easily-recognizable mix of sharp lines and soft curves showed just how harmoniously different things can work together. But Art Deco wasn't just about high style — it was also, in itself, a whole vibe. It was a reflection of the time, catching the rebellious spirit of the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age. It was the era of extravagance, jazz, and a new kind of optimism, which is exactly why Art Deco had such staying power. Think about the sleek lines of a vintage car, the glitter of a jazz club, or the elegance of a 1920s ballroom — the style was as much about setting trends as it was about making a statement. We've put together this list of girl names inspired by the Art Deco era that embody the same sense of boldness, refinement, and timeless elegance. Each name is a nod to an aesthetic — but also a reflection of the sophistication and strength that defined the period. If you're looking for a girl name that's chic, glamorous, and full of character, you've come to the right era. More from SheKnows The Newest List of Most Popular Baby Names Was Just Released - See What's Topping the Charts Now Best of SheKnows There's Something So Beautiful About the Bond Between Brothers Tween & Teen Slang 2025: A Definitive Guide to 'What the Hellyante' Your Kid Is Saying Right Now Celebrity Moms Who Were Honest About Miscarriage & Pregnancy Loss — Because It Matters The meaning of Athena remains uncertain, but the name is most famously tied to the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, who also served as the patron deity of Athens. It's believed that her name likely originated from the city, rather than the city being named after her. Zara first appeared in William Congreve's 1697 tragedy The Mourning Bride, where it was the name of a captive North African queen. It's believed that Congreve may have drawn inspiration from the Arabic name Zahra, meaning 'shining' or 'brilliant.' In 1736, the name gained popularity when English writer Aaron Hill used it as a translation for Zaïre in his adaptation of Voltaire's French play Zaïre. Lenore is derived from the Old French version of the Occitan name Alienòr, and its roots stretch back to one of history's most powerful women: Eleanor of Aquitaine. As the 12th-century queen of both France and England, Eleanor wielded immense influence, and was initially named Aenor after her mother. To distinguish her from her mother, she was known by the Occitan phrase alia Aenor, meaning 'the other Aenor.' Opal comes from the English word for the iridescent gemstone, a dazzling birthstone for those born in October — but it's beautiful any time of year! The name itself traces back to the Sanskrit word उपल (upala), meaning 'jewel,' capturing the essence of something precious and radiant, and it's a vintage gem that's poised to make a comeback. Vera is a name that means 'faith' in Russian, carrying a sense of deep and unwavering strength. It's said to stem from the Latin word verus, meaning 'true.' With its simple yet striking sound, Vera channels the clean lines and timeless sophistication of the Art Deco era. Maeve is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Medb, which means 'intoxicating,' evoking a sense of allure and power. In Irish legend, it was the name of the legendary warrior queen of Connacht — known for her fierce leadership and commanding presence. Eloise originates from the Old French name Héloïse, which itself is likely derived from the Germanic name Helewidis — combining the elements heil, meaning 'healthy' or 'whole,' and wit, meaning 'wide.' This timeless name is sometimes linked to the Greek word ἥλιος (helios), meaning 'sun,' symbolizing light and brilliance. Greta is a short form of Margaret, which originates from the Latin name Margarita, itself derived from the Greek word μαργαρίτης (margarites), meaning 'pearl.' It's got a classic silver screen vibe and glamorous feel. Vivienne is the French form of Vivian, which is derived from the Latin word vivus, meaning 'alive.' This vibrant name carries an aura of energy and vitality, with a bit of sultry sophistication mixed in. Daphne comes from the Greek word for 'laurel,' a symbol of honor and achievement. In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph transformed into a laurel tree by her father to escape the relentless pursuit of Apollo, making her a figure of strength and independence. Clara is the feminine form of the Late Latin name Clarus, which means 'clear,' 'bright,' or 'famous.' This name radiates elegance and brilliance, perfectly capturing the luminous charm of the Art Deco era. Iris means 'rainbow' in Greek, and in Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess who personified the rainbow and served as a messenger to the gods. The name also connects to both the vibrant iris flower and the colored part of the eye, symbolizing both beauty and clarity. Genevieve is said to be derived from the medieval name Genovefa, and its origins are somewhat uncertain. It may be derived from the Germanic elements kunją ('clan' or 'family') and wībą ('wife' or 'woman'), or it could trace back to Gaulish roots, with the Celtic element genos meaning 'kin' or 'family.' One of the most famous bearers of this name was Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. Lola is a diminutive of Dolores, meaning 'sorrows,' which originates from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores ('Our Lady of Sorrows'). Although the name carries a solemn meaning, Lola has taken on a lively and glamorous persona, especially since its rise in popularity during the Jazz Age of the 1920s and '30s. Celeste is the feminine form of Caelestis, a Late Latin name derived from the word caelum, which means 'heaven' or 'sky.' This name evokes the celestial beauty of the stars, carrying with it a sense of elegance and grace that makes it a perfect Art Deco name. Esme comes from the Old French word meaning 'esteemed' or 'loved,' which is the sweetest name meaning we can think of! With its elegant simplicity and gentle sound, Esme evokes the refined sophistication of the Art Deco era, where beauty and grace were celebrated. Gisele is derived from the Old German element gisal, meaning 'hostage' or 'pledge.' Originally (and sadly!) it may have been a descriptive nickname for a child who was pledged to a foreign court. Fortunately for modern times, though, it's just a beautiful name choice. Delilah comes from the Hebrew word meaning 'delicate,' 'weak,' or 'languishing.' In the Old Testament, Delilah was the lover of the powerfully strong Samson, whom she betrayed by cutting his hair — the source of all his strength — leading to his downfall. Despite the complexities of her character, the name Delilah gained popularity among the Puritans in the 17th century. With its sultry sound and dramatic history, Delilah perfectly captures the bold, glamorous spirit of the Art Deco era. Marceline is the glamorous-sounding French feminine form of a name derived from Marcus, a Roman praenomen (given name) which likely originates from the Roman god Mars — the deity of war and strength. Yvette is the beautiful French feminine form of Ivo, a Germanic name that originally served as a short form for names beginning with the element iwa, meaning 'yew.' The yew tree, known for its longevity and strength, symbolizes resilience and endurance. Florence comes from the Latin name Florentius or its feminine form Florentia, both derived from florens, meaning 'prosperous' or 'flourishing.' This name evokes a vibe of growth and success — not to mention a cool vintage feel. Lyra is the name of a constellation in the northern sky, home to the brilliant star Vega. The constellation is said to be shaped after the lyre of the legendary Greek mythological musician Orpheus, evoking a sense of harmony and celestial beauty. Selene means 'moon' in Greek and was the name of the Greek goddess of the moon, a Titan who radiated beauty and mysticism. Often associated with the goddess Artemis, Selene was depicted driving her chariot across the night sky, illuminating the world with her celestial glow. Cleo is a short form of Cleopatra, derived from the Greek word κλέος (kleos), meaning 'glory.' The name evokes the regal power and timeless beauty of the legendary queen, who remains one of history's most iconic figures. It has a sleek, confident sound perfectly befitting of the Art Deco era. Isolde is the romantic-sounding German form of the name Iseult, made famous in the 13th-century German poem Tristan by Gottfried von Strassburg. The origins of the name are uncertain, but some sources suggest it may be of Germanic origin, derived from a name like Ishild, which is composed of the elements is ('ice') and hilt ('battle'). Juno is a name of uncertain origin, but some sources say it's related to an Indo-European root meaning 'young' or derived from Etruscan influences. In Roman mythology, Juno was the wife of Jupiter and the queen of the heavens, revered as the protectress of marriage, women, and even finance. Odessa takes its name from the Ukrainian city on the north coast of the Black Sea — which was named after the ancient Greek city of Odessos, though its exact meaning is unknown. The name evokes a sense of mystery and timeless beauty. Evangeline comes from the Greek εὖ (eu), meaning 'good,' and ἄγγελμα (angelma), meaning 'news' or 'message,' together signifying 'good news.' The name was popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his 1847 epic poem Evangeline and later appeared in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) as the full name of the character Eva. With its elegant flow and rich literary history, Evangeline embodies the timeless glamour of the Art Deco era. Paloma is a soft and melodic-sounding name — and it means 'dove' in Spanish, symbolizing peace, love, and grace. Lucienne is the sophisticated French feminine form of Lucien, which itself comes from the Roman family name derived from the praenomen Lucius. The name is linked to Lucianus, a 2nd-century satirist and author from Samosata (the modern-day town of Samsat, in Turkey).
