After World War I the economy was hit with some harsh economic times resulting in an increase in crime, robbery, violence and racketeering. In September 2013, Netflix started a series called Peaky Blinders which was created around gangs that were formed after the men returned home from World War I. The Peaky Blinders was a gangster family that was formed in Birmingham, England in 1919 which was several months after the war ended.
The gangster leader for the Peaky Blinders was the ambitious and highly cunning Tommy Shelby. Tommy had two brothers that were also very active in the family business. The family owned several pubs in England, which they ran their betting and racketeering out of their pubs. The members of the Peaky Blinder gang wore distinctive clothing which included tailored jackets, bell-bottom trousers and brass lined button jackets and lapel overcoats. Their clothing selection was worn to be noticed and potentially strike fear when they roamed the streets in their town. However, the gang name “Peaky Blinders” was derived from the razorblades that were stitched in to the peak of their flap caps that were used as a weapon when the gang would fight with other gangs.
The main character, Tommy Shelby who is centered in the middle of the picture displays himself as the leader of the gang. He is positioned between his two brothers and shows confidence by his relaxed stance with his left hand in his pocket. His two brothers stand next to him symbolizing unity, teamwork and loyalty. Their appearance represents a business side of their profession, yet the flap caps are viewed as being dangerous and represent fear to the public. Their clothing style is clearly meant to separate themselves from the wealthy English gentlemen from that era. The detachable collar and three-piece tweed suits they wore were very popular with the wealthy in the mid 1920’s. The dark color suits tweed suites represented the working man. The gang members could wear lighter colored suits which were much more expensive but they did not want to viewed like others who lived in the same town. Smoking during this era was not that popular but the Peak Blinders constantly smoked when doing business. Smoking cigarettes represented confidence and control.
Liam N-