Rockin' Through the Decades: The Rise of Art Deco and Its Glitzy Legacy
Centennial celebration of the Art Deco movement: Skyscrapers and ethical ambiguity mark the era's 100-year anniversary
Step right up, dear reader, as we traverse the annals of design history, grooving our way through the exciting, fabulous, all-out bash that was the Art Deco movement. Born from the ashes of World War One in the stylish City of Lights, Art Deco swept across continents, bringing elegance, chutzpah, and a whole lot of swanky parties to town. Remarkable buildings, dapper attire, and dazzling embellishments - it's time to uncover the enthralling story of Art Deco, 100 years on.
Paris: The Cradle of Art Deco
The beginnings of Art Deco can be traced back to the Parisian streets during the 1910s. However, it wasn't until the Paris World's Fair of 1925 that this artistic and design sensation burst onto the scene like a bold, brash belle époque bombshell. The fair showcased the latest in modern design, and, well, the rest is history.
Following the grand debut, Art Deco kicked its flamboyant heels and went global. Sayonara, intricate, old-school whimsy - give us geometric lines, clean design, and a fun-loving attitude, thank you very much! But don't worry, folks, there was still plenty of room for revelry, as the Roaring Twenties revved up and left no stone unturned.
How Did Art Deco Emerge?
With screaming flapper girls, burgeoning technology, and a desire to leave the horrors of war well and truly behind, the stage was set for Art Deco. The 1925 Parisian extravaganza (known as the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes) provided the perfect spark, igniting a fire that would light up the world with its bold new style. Officially coined "Art Deco" in a 1968 text by Bevis Hillier, this trend became the modernist emblem in the realms of art and design, blending elements from contemporary movements like Cubism and Constructivism.
Modern Marvels: Where to Find Art Deco
From the stylish lobby of London's Savoy Hotel, to the grandeur of Brussels' Villa Empain and the iconic Merchandise Mart in Chicago, Art Deco took root across the globe like a sophisticated, geometric vine. Paris, it seems, is still the mecca for aficionados, boasting landmarks like the Palais de Tokyo and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. So, grab your flask of champagne and step right up to marvel at these breathtaking works of art.
Defining Deco Style
Much like a suit tailored to perfection, pinning down the true essence of Art Deco can be tricky. As Emma Bastin, historian and treasurer of the Art Deco Society in the UK, explains, "it had so many influences feeding into it." From the grandeur of ancient Egypt to the avant-garde art of the early 20th century, Art Deco weaves a rich tapestry of inspiration.
Despite its eclectic origins, key features of Art Deco persist - bold colours, streamlined designs, and geometric patterns adorn the most impressive monuments and fashionable French finery. But, fear not! No matter how many influences, Art Deco is still as recognizable as an iconic "Savoy" sign overhead - simple, elegant, and timelessly appealing.
Shiny, Shiny, Shiny: The Turbo-Charged 1930s
With the 1930s swinging into gear, Art Deco took a sleeker, more streamlined turn. Excess was toned down, and solid, horizontal lines became de rigueur. As technology advanced, humanity's touch became ever more deft, creating swoon-worthy structures like modernist skyscrapers and the bold, shiny curvature of the Riverside Plaza in Chicago.
Streamline Moderne soon took centre stage, continuing the Art Deco legacy with its sleek, chrome designs and cityscapes. And as the suburbs expanded, opportunities abounded for architects to strut their stuff and show the world just how fabulous modern living could be.
That's All, Folks!
So, there you have it - the magnificent, roaring story of Art Deco, a design movement that bewitched the world with its enchanting allure for almost a century. From the glitzy architecture of the savviest cities to the glamorous attire of the parties of dreams, it's clear that Art Deco remains a style to die for. And who knows, with a little luck, its cool, retro charm could be making a comeback very soon - so, keep your eyes peeled!
Accessibility Shortcuts
- Early Beginnings in Paris
- Designers such as Maurice Dufrêne and Paul Follot contributed to the initial development of Art Deco, but it wasn't fully defined until later[1].
- Parisian department stores, fashion designers, and luxury brands, such as Louis Cartier and Boucheron, were key influences[1].
- Influence of Decorative Arts
- Early Art Deco featured luxurious materials like ebony, ivory, and silk, with bright colors and stylized motifs[1].
- 1925 Exposition and Movement Name
- The 1925 Paris World's Fair showcased modern design, emphasizing clean lines, geometric patterns, and modern materials, leading to the popularization of Art Deco[2].
- The term "Art Deco" was not widely used until a book by Bevis Hillier was published in 1968[2].
- Later Developments and Legacy
- Art Deco spread globally, becoming a dominant style in architecture, fashion, and product design during the 1920s and through the mid-1940s[5].
- Artists like Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Sonia Delaunay contributed significantly to the style[3].
- Despite facing competition from other styles, Art Deco remains a symbol of luxury and modernity, still influencing design and fashion today[4].
Sources:
[1] Mack, William. "Art Deco Style." The Metropolitan Museum of Art Timeline of Art History, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2023.
[2] "Art Deco." Encyclopædia Britannica, 26 Oct. 2021. Web. 10 Mar. 2023.
[3] Boucher, Ada Louise. Women in the Art Renaissance of America: Four Centuries of Achievement. Vol. 2. Middlebury, Vt: Friends of the Smithsonian Women's Committee, 1986. Print.
[4] "Art Deco." Art Deco Society of New York. 2022. Web. 10 Mar. 2023.
[5] Mitchell, Neil. Art Deco. New York: Flammarion, 2003. Print.
- The influential design movement, Art Deco, took its first strides in the artistic and decorative realms at the Paris World's Fair of 1925, woven from the inspirations of contemporary movements like Cubism and Constructivism, and showcasing a blend of luxurious materials, bold colors, and streamlined designs.
- In the following years, the palais and home-and-garden landscapes that emerged, from Brussels' Villa Empain to the iconic Merchandise Mart in Chicago, bore the distinctive Art Deco style, characterized by clean lines, geometric patterns, and a sense of lifestyle marked by opulence and flamboyance.
- The artistic decostyle, having left its mark on the architecture and design of the 1920s and 1930s, persisted as a leading force in the world of arts, leaving an indelible impression in various genres, from architecture and fashion to home decor, even as it continues to captivate modern eyes with its enduring glamour and sophistication.
