Art Deco History
Andrea at Deco Days
is the basis upon which modern design is rooted. The design concepts
include not only, clothing, home furnishing, architecture, jewelry,
packaging design, commercial design and cars, more importantly whole
new social sensibility and state of mind.
Art Deco can be defined by the catch phrase "Anything Goes". These few
words capture beautifully the spirit of Art Deco and refers to the new
bold designs between the two World Wars. It was in stark contrast to,
and a rebellion against, the over-done Victorian and Art Nouveau
design concepts, with flowery, swirling lines, and busy decorations.
Art Deco can also be defined by purity of form and design, uncluttered
by unnecessary decorations. The avant-garde schools took the flowers
and swirling lines of Art Nouveau and created a cleaner, more
geometric sensibility evidenced in the ziggurats, leaping gazelles,
sunbursts and bold prints. Art deco focused on the integrity of the
overall concept and no small detail was unimportant when designing an
home, hotel, theatre or factory. A keyhole became just as important as
the architectural structure. The furniture, lighting, carpeting, art,
glassware, accessories, radios, ashtrays and even flower design all
became integral parts of the overall feeling being invoked.
At this same time, there was great social reform under way, starting
with the fight for women's rights and emancipation by Mrs. Pankhurst
and the suffragettes. New fortunes had been created after WW1 and
there was a great redistribution of wealth. The ‘nouveau riche' had
new tastes and wanted new types of homes. Art Deco was a perfect way
for the modern chic, with no real social standing to create a totally
new look and conceal humble beginnings.
These new design concepts blazoned across all areas of design from
apartment buildings, theatres and cinemas to factories. These new
design concepts extended to the world of clothing and jewelry design
as well, and for the first time in history, fashion became big
business, due in large part to improved communications throughout the
world. One can't help but conjure up an image of a sexy flapper, with
her bobbed hair, a sleek dress showing off her body and legs, with an
8" cigarette holder, dancing the Charleston and flirting -
outrageously free and her freedom is what it was about. She was bold,
sassy and up for anything. She was liberated after the war, having
found her independence after running the country while the men were at
the front lines. By the twenties, some of the best known interior
decorators, fashion designers and decorative artists were women. She
not only found social freedom, but was released from her tight fitting
corsets and drab colors. The new style of clothing and accessories
(hand bags, hats, buckles, scarves and shoes) were followed quickly by
cosmetics and perfumes. A new age had dawned. The sumptuous jewelry
and elegant clothing designed by ‘haute couture' of the period was
also the beginning of ready-to-wear dresses.
Art Deco objects of the 1920's and 1930's are today classified as
serious antiques, highly specialised and considered to have real
investment potential. There are shops all over the world, including
New York, London and Paris that specialise exclusively in Art Deco.
Museums have turned their attention to Art Deco as well, which has
resulted in on-going exhibitions on two continents. Quality Art Deco,
including design into the 1940's is highly prized by serious
collectors like Barbara Streisand, Brad Pitt and others. Deco design
is still a favourite for Broadway set design and hotels still borrow
on the dramatic and bold lines to create drama and appeal.
Art Deco is synonymous with extravagance and a lavish lifestyle as
witnessed in the Golden Age of Hollywood, but was just as popular with
the middle class for it's simplicity – you can dress it up or you can
dress it down.
Art Deco is one of those design periods that fits with anything and
goes anywhere, which is part of it's beauty and appeal. Put your
beautiful nude bronze statue, ashtray or lamp in a retro or Victorian
designed home and she will look beautiful. Your deco bar ware, radio
or furniture interspersed with any style will look great and add
style. That favourite deco watch, ring or brooch with your blue jeans
and tank top will give you glamour and pizzazz.
My website has many good decorative examples of art deco design and I
invite you to browse. At the shop you will find quality, period art
deco sculpture, lamps, lighting, table accents, jewelry and watches.
Andrea from Deco Days Antiques and Collectibles
http://www.deco-days.com