UC Berkeley Affectionate College Frat Boys on Paper Moon Real Photo Postcard
The attire of these young men, featuring a mix of patterned sweaters, collared shirts, and slicked-back hairstyles, places this group portrait squarely within the fashion trends and youth culture of the 1920s and early 1930s. This period, following World War I, saw a significant shift in male aesthetics, with collegiate and athletic styles increasingly influencing everyday wear for younger generations, signifying a departure from more rigid Victorian-era formality.
Such studio portraits were a common practice to document social bonds and burgeoning youth culture during an era where peer groups played an increasingly significant role in identity formation. The controlled setting and often stylized backdrops, such as the faint stars visible here, provided a formal yet accessible means for young adults to capture their camaraderie, reflecting broader shifts in social customs and the visual representation of community.
Such studio portraits were a common practice to document social bonds and burgeoning youth culture during an era where peer groups played an increasingly significant role in identity formation. The controlled setting and often stylized backdrops, such as the faint stars visible here, provided a formal yet accessible means for young adults to capture their camaraderie, reflecting broader shifts in social customs and the visual representation of community.
