On stage and in silent films, appearance was everything. Costumes became bigger and bolder to be seen from the back row, and in the 1920s they were influenced by early science fiction. A gallery of outrageous stage and screen costumes from the period make today's science fiction cosplay look casual and comfy.
Many of the costumes in this gallery were designed by the French artist Erté, known for his Art Deco work. Others are early work from Hollywood costume designer Adrien. See 20 stage and screen costumes from the 1920s and '30s at Messy Nessy Chic. -via Metafilter