Art Deco is a style of visual arts that began in the early 1920s. The style was born in Paris and then spread throughout the major cities of the world – New York, Miami, London, Amsterdam and Mumbai! It influenced architecture, jewellery, ocean liners, furniture and even everyday items like cups and saucers.
Art Deco, in essence, was more than just a style, it formed the basis of human lifestyle post the World War 1. The post-World War 1 era was marked by opulence; travelling was a rage. The people were enjoying liberalisation and hence, desired objects that resonated their emotions.
The style was characterised by a strong geometric influence, simple patterns, classical motifs belonging to the African, Greek, Egyptian and Indian civilizations. It was the dawn of machine age and hence, the objects were designed with the intention of mass production.
Liberalisation and exploration were the key elements of the era. The diamonds were cut in never seen before shapes, the traditional materials like gold and silver were replaced with platinum. The furniture which earlier exuded a traditional charm was now modern, dynamic and opulent. The everyday furniture featured expensive elements like ivory.
Art Deco also had a huge influence on fashion. Flapper dresses, made popular by Coco Chanel, were and still are trending today. The garments in the 1920s were characterized by beads, tassels, low hems and light materials which gleamed under the lights of the dance floor. Sleeveless and V-neck dresses were everywhere!
Art Deco, as a trend, saw a steep decline towards the 1940s. It gained momentum again in the 70s and is now back with a bang. The years 2016-17 are all about reminiscing the glory of Art Deco. It has been a rage on runways, red carpets and interior spaces alike.
And since we love keeping up with trends, Art Deco has been a major inspiration for our upcoming collection.
Stay tuned as we unveil the beauty of Bombay’s Art Deco on 24th August!
Picture Credits: Irenebrination, Lang Antiques, Static1.squarespace
