One hundred years after its debut at the 1925 International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, Art Deco is experiencing a renaissance. Known for its bold geometric designs and unapologetic luxury, this timeless style is once again making waves in interior design, fashion, and beyond, reimagined by a new generation captivated by its enduring allure.
At the Museum of the City of New York, the exhibition “Art Deco City: New York Postcards from the Leonard A. Lauder Collection”, running through February 17, showcases how this trend shaped the collective image of New York City. Vintage postcards, period clothing, accessories, and film clips transport visitors to an era that produced architectural masterpieces like the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and Radio City Music Hall.
According to co-curator Lynda Klich, these postcards were the social media of their time a way to promote the image of a vibrant, modern metropolis. Fellow curator Lilly Tuttle highlights that Art Deco was more than an aesthetic; it was a visual language that helped sell the idea of New York as the world’s cultural and economic capital.
Emerging after World War I, Art Deco captured the spirit of a world eager for innovation, freedom, and bold creativity. Design expert Arricca Elin Sansone describes it as a versatile style that transcends architecture and extends to decorative arts and fashion.
In cities like Miami, the Art Deco District of South Beach stands as a living testament to the era, attracting visitors with its pastel-colored buildings and intricate designs. Meanwhile, in Paris, the 2024 Olympic organizers paid tribute to Art Deco’s vibrant legacy with posters inspired by those created for the 1924 Games.
Today, Art Deco’s influence is alive on runways and red carpets. Chanel, Dior, and Giorgio Armani’s collections channel the Jazz Age with flowing silhouettes, velvet fabrics, feathers, and crystal embellishments. Celebrities like Zendaya and Beyoncé echo the flapper era with sleek bob hairstyles and intricately adorned gowns.
Art Deco’s glamour also informs contemporary interior design. Vanessa DeLeon, a New York-based interior designer, incorporates rich colors, metallic accents, and frosted glass to reinterpret the style in modern spaces. Her work reflects the enduring appeal of Deco’s geometric lines and luxurious finishes.
Whether it’s an alabaster lamp, an iconic building, or a dazzling gown, Art Deco remains a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
