A century has passed since Art Deco was first introduced at the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, and today it is making a comeback in various aspects such as decor and fashion. A new generation is embracing the style’s glamorous roots and putting a fresh spin on it.
An ongoing exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York delves into how Art Deco shaped the city’s landscape a century ago, featuring iconic landmarks like the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall. Titled “Art Deco City: New York Postcards from the Leonard A. Lauder Collection,” the exhibit also showcases ephemera, clothing, and film clips from that era.
Meanwhile, in London, the Victoria and Albert Museum houses a collection of day and evening outfits, jewelry, textiles, and costumes from Les Ballets Russes, which greatly influenced fashion during that time.
Art Deco emerged in the early 20th century as a signature style that embodied creativity, freedom, and innovation following World War I. The era of the 1920s and early ’30s became a significant period of design influence, with cities worldwide transforming into landscapes of soaring skyscrapers and geometric motifs.
The energy and exuberance of the era were also reflected in fashion trends, transitioning from restrictive corsets to liberated silhouettes epitomized by the Flapper style. Today, we see a resurgence of 1920s aesthetics on runways and red carpets, with celebrities like Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, Beyoncé, and Demi Lovato embracing the Deco era’s allure through modern interpretations.
Fashion designers like Giorgio Armani have drawn inspiration from the Deco period in their collections, incorporating pearls, velvets, sequins, and more. Brands like Chanel and Dior have also paid homage to the era with their collections featuring nostalgic silhouettes and textures.
Art Deco continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal and its influence can be seen in various forms of art and design today.
“Art Deco’s allure and elegance are the main draws for me,” says interior designer Vanessa DeLeon, based in New York and a familiar face on HGTV and Bravo. In her designs, rich tones such as emerald and ebony blend with shiny metallic accents and stylized patterns. DeLeon’s latest lighting line pays tribute to Art Deco’s iconic frosted glass and polished metal fixtures.
London designers Jamie Watkins and Tom Kennedy from Divine Savages infuse their collections with playful references to Art Deco’s architectural grandeur. Their “Deco Martini” print combines a traditional fan motif with a sophisticated cocktail glass, evoking images of Jay Gatsby’s extravagant soirees. “Gershwing” incorporates luxurious feather shapes into an opulent statement piece.
“Art Deco was synonymous with glamour and opulence,” Watkins remarks. “It’s no surprise that we are drawn to it once again.” Designer and lifestyle expert Athena Calderone, in partnership with Crate & Barrel, channels cinematic Art Deco vibes through alabaster sconces, curvilinear club chairs, and geometric-patterned furnishings. The atmosphere is reminiscent of Manhattan, Paris, and Duke Ellington.
For aficionados of true Art Deco, the exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York is a must-see. Co-curator Lynda Klich highlights that postcards served as the social media of their time, with travelers busily jotting down messages to loved ones. The city’s iconic Art Deco buildings are prominently featured in over 250 postcards, alongside a selection of 1920s-era gowns, shoes, and accessories.
“More than just a visual style, Art Deco was the aesthetic that showcased the city to the world,” curator Lilly Tuttle reflects. The exhibition will remain open until February 15.
Writer Kim Cook, based in New York, frequently covers design and decor topics for The AP. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome. For more AP Lifestyles stories, visit https://apnews.com/lifestyle.
