A century after its formal debut at the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, Art Deco is experiencing a vibrant resurgence. This iconic style, which once defined the Roaring Twenties and early 1930s, is now being reimagined for a new generation. From interior design and fashion to architecture and pop culture, Art Deco’s unapologetically glamorous roots are being translated into something fresh and modern, proving that its allure is timeless.
Today, Art Deco is being rediscovered by a younger audience drawn to its bold geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and sense of optimism. “Art Deco is many different things to different people, and its evolution is as unique as its expression in architecture, interior design, decorative arts, and fashion,” says design writer Arricca Elin Sansone. This versatility has allowed the style to adapt to contemporary tastes while retaining its signature elegance.
In fashion, the influence of Art Deco is unmistakable. Celebrities like Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, Beyoncé, and Demi Lovato have embraced the era’s shimmering gold-and-black satin gowns, crystal embellishments, and feathered accessories. The revival of 1920s-inspired bobs and finger waves further underscores the style’s enduring appeal. Meanwhile, on the runways, designers are blending Art Deco’s geometric motifs with modern silhouettes, creating a fusion of past and present.
In interior design, Art Deco’s opulence is making a comeback. Think rich velvets, mirrored surfaces, and bold geometric patterns. Furniture designers are incorporating Deco-inspired elements, such as sleek lines and luxurious finishes, into contemporary pieces. Even major hotel chains are turning to Art Deco influences to create luxurious, immersive experiences for guests.
Art deco’s architectural legacy
Art Deco’s architectural legacy remains one of its most enduring contributions. Iconic landmarks like New York City’s Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall continue to define the city’s skyline and imagination. These structures, with their vertical lines, ornate detailing, and use of innovative materials like Nirosta steel, embody the optimism and modernity of the early 20th century.
The Chrysler Building, in particular, stands as a masterpiece of Art Deco design. Completed in 1930, it features triangular windows, gleaming metal surfaces, and automotive-inspired ornamentation, including hubcaps and hood ornaments. Currently undergoing interior renovations, the building is being restored to its former glory while being adapted for modern use, ensuring its relevance for future generations.
Beyond New York, Art Deco’s influence can be seen worldwide. In Miami, the South Beach Art Deco District is a vibrant hub of pastel-colored buildings and geometric motifs, drawing visitors and design enthusiasts alike. In Paris, the birthplace of Art Deco, the style continues to inspire, as seen in the 2024 Olympics posters, which celebrate the centennial of the 1924 Paris Games with vivid, Deco-inspired designs.
Exhibitions celebrating art deco’s legacy
Museums are also paying tribute to Art Deco’s enduring impact. The Museum of the City of New York is currently hosting an exhibition that explores how the style helped shape the city’s identity a century ago. Meanwhile, London’s Victoria and Albert Museum showcases a collection of day and evening outfits, jewelry, textiles, and costumes from Les Ballets Russes, which heavily influenced Art Deco fashion.
These exhibitions highlight the style’s versatility and its ability to transcend disciplines. From architecture and fashion to graphic design and industrial arts, Art Deco’s influence is everywhere. Its geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and sense of modernity continue to inspire designers and artists around the world.
Why art deco resonates today
Art Deco emerged in the aftermath of World War I, a period marked by rapid technological advancement, social change, and a desire for renewal. The style’s bold, forward-looking aesthetic captured the spirit of the times, offering a sense of hope and optimism. Today, as we navigate our own era of uncertainty and transformation, Art Deco’s emphasis on glamour, innovation, and modernity feels particularly resonant.
The style’s accessibility also contributes to its enduring popularity. Unlike earlier design movements, which were often reserved for the elite, Art Deco embraced mass production, making its bold aesthetic available to a wider audience. This democratization of design allowed Art Deco to become a global phenomenon, influencing everything from skyscrapers to household objects.
The future of art deco
As we look to the future, Art Deco’s influence shows no signs of waning. Architects and designers continue to draw inspiration from its geometric forms, luxurious materials, and sense of optimism. In Paris, the iconic Galeries Lafayette has been transformed into a retail laboratory for leading fashion, food, and lifestyle brands, blending Art Deco’s historic charm with contemporary innovation.
In Mumbai, the Marine Drive promenade, with its rows of Deco buildings, remains a UNESCO-protected landmark, while in Los Angeles, the Eastern Columbia Building stands as a vibrant example of the style’s global reach. Even in New York, the ongoing restoration of the Chrysler Building ensures that its Art Deco legacy will endure for generations to come.
A timeless style for a new era
A century after its debut, Art Deco continues to captivate and inspire. Its bold geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and sense of optimism feel as fresh and relevant today as they did in the 1920s. Whether in fashion, architecture, or interior design, Art Deco’s influence is everywhere, proving that great design is truly timeless. As we embrace the Roaring Twenties revival in the 21st century, Art Deco reminds us that even in times of change, beauty and creativity endure.
Art Nouveau and Art Deco are two of the defining art movements of the 20th century, influencing all elements of visual culture, from fine art and design, to architecture and graphic arts. CLICK HERE to test your skills on seeing the differences.
Nine surprising art deco hotspots around the world CLICK HERE.
Discover 7 of the Most Spectacular Art Deco Restaurants in Paris CLICK HERE.
by