A lot has changed in 100 years, but as we reflect on everything from the creation of The Great Gatsby to the first signs of Art Deco, it is very true to say that 2025 marks the centenary of some of culture’s most iconic creations and figures
Time has a funny way of slipping by unnoticed, until a milestone anniversary rolls around and reminds us of how far we’ve come. In 2025, we’re celebrating 100 years since the debut of The Great Gatsby, the foundation of Fendi, the release of Charlie Chaplin’s "The Gold Rush," and so much more. Spanning literature, fashion, architecture, and film, 1925 gave us moments and movements that still ripple through our culture today.
Recognising anniversaries, and centenaries in particular, gives us the chance to reflect on the evolution of culture, society, and innovation. They mark more than just the passing of time, they capture the endurance of ideas, the significance of art, and the legacy of creativity. They let us pause in our fast-moving world and appreciate the stories that continue to shape us.
In this blog, we will look at some of the most remarkable things that happened in 1925 as we trawl through the annals of time to commemorate a century of great ideas, brilliant people, and captivating narratives.
The New Yorker Turns 100
First published in February 1925, The New Yorker established itself as a cultural institution from the very start. Known for its rigorous journalism, literary depth, and iconic cartoons, the magazine became a staple for intellectually curious readers. Its voice, which has consistently been smart, witty, and urbane, still resonates in today’s media landscape.
The magazine has also had some famous names as contributors. In the past 99 years, writers such as the poet Ogden Nash, Dorothy Parker - the magazine’s book reviewer in its early days - and JD Salinger, author of Catcher in the Rye, all had work published in its pages.
A century on, The New Yorker remains a paragon of thoughtful journalism and enduring commentary. It’s proof that longform storytelling can thrive even in an age of short attention spans and viral headlines.
The Great Gatsby Lives On
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby was published in April 1925, and although it wasn’t an immediate commercial success, it later became one of the most iconic novels of the 20th century. Its themes of wealth, identity, illusion, and the American Dream still resonate deeply today.
With each new generation of readers, Gatsby’s world of longing and lavish parties continues to captivate. Its enduring storyline was even brought to life on the silver screen when Leonardo DiCaprio took on the role of Jay Gatsby in 2013, opening it up to a whole new audience in the process. The novel’s centenary is a reminder of how literature can evolve from overlooked to legendary, just as its main character hoped to reinvent himself.
The opening lines are still as poignant today as they were when they were first coined, as Fitzegerald writes, “In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. “Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,” he told me, “ just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.””
Art Deco’s Global Glamour
Art Deco as a design movement burst into international consciousness in 1925 at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. Defined by its streamlined shapes, geometric motifs, and vibrant colours, Art Deco rejected the ornate styles of the past in favour of modernity and optimism.
Some of the prime examples of this movement include New York’s Chrysler Building and the eye-catching pastel facades of Miami’s South Beach, as the Art Deco style continues to inspire architects and designers. A hundred years on, its influence is still visible, still stylish, and still uniquely optimistic.
Tutankhamun’s Mask Discovered
Although King Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered in 1922, it was in 1925 that archaeologists uncovered his now-iconic gold funerary mask. This glittering symbol of ancient Egyptian royalty captured the world’s imagination and reignited interest in Egyptology.
Tutankhamun’s mask not only represents an archaeological marvel but also a bridge between ancient and modern worlds. Its discovery is a great example of how the past seems to have a never-ending allure and how we are on a continued quest to understand it.
Fendi Marks A Century of Italian Style
Founded in Rome in 1925, Fendi started as a fur and leather shop and grew into one of the world’s most prestigious luxury fashion houses. With its unique blend of Italian craftsmanship and forward-thinking design, Fendi quickly became synonymous with elegance and innovation.
Over the decades, Fendi has continually reinvented itself while staying true to its roots. Its centenary is not just a celebration of fashion, but of resilience, reinvention, and creative excellence.
Charlie Chaplin’s “The Gold Rush” Premieres
Charlie Chaplin is quite possibly one of the most recognisable figures in early cinema. His absolute smash hit, The Gold Rush, released in 1925, is a silent film classic that showcases the comedian’s genius in both storytelling and physical comedy. Seamlessly combining a unique blend of humour and humanity, the film touched audiences around the world.
Chaplin’s work transcends language and time. A hundred years later, The Gold Rush remains a masterclass in cinematic art that illustrates the universal power of laughter.
Dick Van Dyke’s 100 Years of Charm
Born in December 1925, and soon to celebrate his 100th birthday, Dick Van Dyke has charmed audiences for generations with his singing, dancing, and acting prowess. Having played a starring role in the 1964 classice Mary Poppins, along with taking the title role in The Dick Van Dyke Show, he has brought joy and charisma to every performance.
Even as he nears completion on his first century on Earth, Van Dyke remains a beloved figure in entertainment, celebrated for his enduring optimism, versatility, and timeless appeal.
What Will We Celebrate in the Future?
As we celebrate these milestones, it’s worth considering what anniversaries we might mark in the future. In 2035, Elvis Presley’s centenary will remind us of rock and roll’s past and present appeal, while in 2045, Bob Marley’s 100th birthday will likely prompt reflections on music, peace, and cultural unity.
Time never stands still, with new icons emerging and new stories beginning every single day. “The only constant in life is change,” as Heraclitus once said. Plato echoed this when he wrote, “I believe, says that all things pass and nothing stays, and comparing existing things to the flow of a river, he says you could not step twice into the same river.”
In another hundred years, someone may be writing about today’s pop culture, politics, and paradigm shifts the same way we reflect on 1925. Who knows, they might even reference this blog (wishful thinking). As Nathaniel Hawthorne put it: “Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind.”
Centenaries are more than historical trivia, they’re reminders of how creativity, innovation, and the human spirit can endure. In 2025, we look back to honour these legacies, but also ahead, ready to shape the next hundred years of culture. At Katch International, we celebrate the stories that stand the test of time and help shape the ones that are still to come.
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