Amsterdam Restored to Life in Amazing 1920s Footage

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Published 2023-10-14
Time travel back 100 years for a glimpse of 1920s Amsterdam in this Ai colorized footage with added sound. An era of post-war recovery and cultural and fashion shifts. A lost era restored to life.

With added deep exemplar-based colorization, using deep learning Ai, what was once silent fragments of footage can be seen in glorious color with added sound.

At the very heart of Dam square, a puppet show captivates many, especially the eager young audience leading the pack. Jan Klaassen's performance holds everyone's attention, from the young to the aged, all utterly entranced. The majestic Royal Palace stands tall at Dam Square, beautifully framed by the lush Damplantsoen up front.
Further on, bustling scenes of De Waag come alive alongside the vibrant Nieuwmarkt marketplace. A vegetable vendor hands back some coins, while a neighboring textile stall sees its saleswoman deep in conversation with a shopper. Nearby, the melodies of an organ grinder fill the air as two young children dance on the sidewalk. A picturesque canal view from atop a bridge ends this short trip through time.

Women's Fashion in 1920s Netherlands

The 1920s was a transformative decade in many parts of the world, and the Netherlands was no exception. The fashion trends that flourished during this period mirrored broader cultural and societal changes, and the influence of modernism was palpable in Dutch women's attire.

Silhouette & Style: Like the rest of Europe and America, the 1920s in the Netherlands saw a departure from the restrictive corsets and long hemlines of the previous decade. Instead, women embraced a more androgynous and liberated look. The classic flapper dress, characterized by its drop waist and straight cut, made its way into Dutch fashion, often adorned with beaded details or sequins.

Material & Embellishments: Dutch women's fashion of the 1920s incorporated luxurious fabrics like silk, velvet, and chiffon. The influence of the Art Deco movement was evident in the geometric patterns, sequin designs, and beadwork that embellished dresses, giving them an aura of opulence.

Accessories: As with clothing, accessories in 1920s Netherlands reflected the spirit of the time. Cloche hats, which fitted close to the head, became a staple. Long strands of pearls, T-bar shoes, and embroidered purses complemented the overall look. Hair was often bobbed, in line with the international trend, and makeup grew in popularity, with darkened eyes and bold lips becoming fashionable.

Outerwear: Coats and jackets were designed to complement the straight-line dresses underneath. Cocoon coats, with their loose fit and simple lines, became popular, as did fur (or faux fur) stoles and collars.

Cultural & Global Influences: The Netherlands' strategic position as a trading nation meant it was exposed to various global influences. While Paris was a dominant force in European fashion, the Dutch had their unique interpretations, blending traditional Dutch elements with broader European trends. There was also a discernible influence from the East, given the Dutch colonial connections in places like Indonesia.

In essence, the 1920s was a decade of liberation and experimentation for Dutch women's fashion. The post-war era, marked by its sense of freedom and optimism, allowed women to express themselves in ways they hadn't before. Dutch women adopted international trends but always with a touch of their unique style and sensibility.

Ai restorations by Glamourdaze.
Silent footage was ai upscaled to 4k 60fps. Soundscapes created by Glamourdaze. Color coding courtesy of Bo Chang & associates Deep Exemplar based video colorization.

SFX by Glamourdaze
including:
1.City soundscapes by reinsamba / Freesound
2.Amsterdam Street Art Market Harp - eesn / Freesound

All Comments (21)
  • @windsorkid7069
    The past becomes the present when watched from the future. I love these videos. Wished they were longer.
  • @brocanova
    Fantastic work! Reminds me that back then children were threatened by diphtheria, measles or meningitis in a large scale. That’s one of the life events my grandmother never coped with having lost her 4 year old brother in the 1920s and doctors couldn’t help.
  • @mysteryman111100
    I love how fashionable people were then all the different coloured clothing
  • @astridvitols4712
    Very beautiful work of colorization !!!!! I love the scene with the two little girls dancing !!!! Thanks a lot and Bravo !!!!👍💝💖
  • Beautifully done - nice work with the sound. After watching enough of these it is interesting to start to see what the software/AI struggles with.
  • @dogmom2023
    My home was built in 1926. I love the era.
  • @rhonafox3805
    I love visiting Amsterdam especially early/mid December for the light festival ❤
  • I can't imagine the work that must go into colorizing these films. They look like they could have been filmed yesterday.
  • @leea2112
    This is wonderful to watch !! ❤❤❤❤
  • @argee36
    Great Colorization. Excellent work.
  • @elisevV13
    Doesn’t look much different today! I’m from NY but I live in Holland now, it really still looks like this.
  • @mlowder06
    I like how you also include the original footage, it makes me appreciate the restored version so much more. Thanks!
  • @misssmith7225
    Your words in the description box are fantastic. Thank you for an excellent overview of Netherlands fashion history.
  • @amyhagen94
    There’s a puppeteer on Dam square till today 😍