Crazy About Deco: Collecting and Wearing Art Deco

Fashion and Culture at the Moment are having a definite Deco/20's Affair. Many times we think of art deco as the 20's exclusively however; the movement began in Paris in the 20's and spans until the early 40's. Not everything from the 20's embodies that deco style, just like everything from the 20's is not flapper in style. Flapper's represented a cultural style and subculture really.

ART DECO design appeals to me because it drew inspiration from non European cultures such as the Egyptians, Asian cultures and groups native to the Americas. It was modern in its interpretation of geometric mathematical lines and shapes but cultural as well. There was a use of bolder colors and a sort decadent yet streamline aesthetic.

I want to highlight the art of wearing Deco here for those who want to apply that aesthetic using vintage pieces. There are certainly many current designers inspired by the look.
Sources:Art Deco Fashion [Hardcover]Suzanne Lussier
Roaring '20s Fashions: Deco (Schiffer Book for Collectors)by Sue Langley, John Dowling
Flapper Era Fashions: From the Roaring 20s by Tina Skinner

HERE ARE SOME STATEMENT PIECES TO LOOK FOR WHEN WEARING HISTORICALLY CORRECT PIECES:
Evening gowns and OVERDRESSES, these are the beaded sheer tunics you see originally worn over neutral frocks. They are great if in good condition, look for items which seem current in design. They will be show stoppers at a party. Remember you don't want to look like you came out of a time machine but instead like you are wearing a couture piece off the runway.



COATS are another way to get a great look and still be fashionable and modern. Lastly ACCESSORIES such as purses and jewelry! I cannot say enough about finding a few great pieces from this era and highlighting them. Mixing vintage and contemporary designer and neutral pieces gives you an extra chicness and edge.


EXAMPLES:
Great example of the use of Asian and modern lines-



















Coat with the drop waist full collar and exaggerated bell sleeves. However the neutral palette and fur accentuate the deco style:






















Deco style purse: This one is actually one from my store but it mixes modern metals/lines and exotic leather:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaraBrazilVintage


































JEWELRY: This is great because it has the use of color, the lines, and the Egyptian theme. Find it at:http://www.etsy.com/shop/EmbellishgirlVintage





















When collecting for investment purposes one has to be careful not to over estimate its value just because of age particularly the items from the 20's. Was it machine made lace, that is not as valuable. What is the condition? You expect some wear but the more maintained the better. Also does it showcase what we celebrate in terms of the design of the era. There are various texts on the 20's and Art Deco which one should read.

Collecting Art Deco by McConnell, Kevin
Art Deco Interiors: Decoration and Design Classics of the 1920s and 1930sby Patricia Bayer


Various books of interest in terms of interiors:
Art Deco (Revised Edition)by Arwas, Victor
In the Deco Style by Dan Klein, Nancy A. McClelland, Malcolm Haslam

Online NY Times Fashion Article:http://runway.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/a-deco-moment