Commission - 1910s Bimbos

Commissioner's Note

Bimbo History  

Bimbos have been a part of history since the dawn of time. Despite the term bimbos tend to be unique depending on the time and location in history. But probably the time that bimbos became the most prevalent is after the turn of the century   America 1910- the turn of the century was good for America. Self made business men, inventors making things like the airplane and lightbulb. It was no wonder America became the dream of many immigrants.  

In fact by the 1910’s more than three quarters of New York city’s populations was either a immigrant or first generation American.   Bimbos also came with these waves of immigration. Coming from diverse backgrounds from all over Europe many came to the land of opportunity. Some were disappointed and had to work in textile factories as other woman work. Others worked the streets going from Europe brothels to American. Many however embraced the American style and intergraded into society, adopting American fashion and traditions. 

Some worked to improve their standing in society others either seduced or married richer gentleman to move forward in life. That didn’t stop them from gathering with people from their home countries like the Irish quarter or little Italy.  New York had defiantly become the melting pot of America. 

Many immigrants lived in ethnic communities close together, United by their American dream  they shared traditions and recipes from their home countries with each other and the multi generation New Yorkers. Often people would visit the different culture areas, many of which  can still be found to day to, to get that old world taste from both the restaurants and the bimbos.  Fashion at this time included long lacy dresses with big hats. 

From the end of the century things like corsets and bustles were falling out of fashion. That didn’t stop bimbos from putting their unique spin in the fashion of the day. This was the fashion many immigrant women went to to try to blend in to their new home. Relatively modest compared to latter years the times were about to change as we transcend to the roaring 20’s