Art Deco: An Introduction

Art Deco actually stands for Exposition Internationale des Art Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes, which was an art exhibit of the highest order held in Paris in 1925. Even if you don't know Art Deco when you are looking at it, you probably are enjoying it. It is an art movement synonymous with the idea of glamour and symmetrical perfection. For a time Art Deco seemed to be everywhere and today is making a comeback. Why not? The most beautiful skyscrapers in the world are Art Deco and even my own infamous toaster has an Art Deco quality to it.

Actually, the genesis of the Art Deco movement belongs not to that Paris exhibition or even France, but rather to Russia. It was the graceful movements of the dancers and the set design at the Russian Ballet as it reflected the graceful yet stark lines of the age of technology that inspired the worldwide movement yet to come. Before long, those ballet lines could be seen on passenger trains, airplanes and the exterior of roadside diners. Art Deco became incredibly popular in the United States in part because Hollywood adopted it as a signature of glamour. Many costumes and set designs that had nothing to do with contemporary times were done in the style of Art Deco. Check out Greta Garbo's costuming in Mata Hari as an excellent example.