Bringing classic influence to today’s chic trends.
By: Shaina M. Harlow

The latest fashion trend of bold patterns, smooth curves, and strong geometric shapes are found on everything – from elegant dresses to your favorite cami. However, the inspiration for these new and chic designs – the Art Deco movement – came long before most of us were born.

“Art Deco originated in 1925 with the Paris International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts,” says Jay Calderin, Instructor of History of Couture at the School of Fashion Design in Boston, Massachusetts. “It was a movement in architecture, design, fashion, and visual arts that was a response to the harsh realities of WWI and high speed changes in society and technology that came after.”

The ruched or lacey long-sleeved or tunic sweater with brightly colored patterns you find at stores like Forever 21 is Art Deco. So is the beaded necklace with the chunky pendant you picked up at a second-hand store. Drop waist dresses, which you can find almost anywhere, are also Art Deco-inspired.

“Geometric patterns, lacquered finishes, metallic fabrics for a sense of the futuristic and stainless steel were some of the details incorporated into the modern opulence,” says Calderin. “Collecting and incorporating unique, vintage fashion accessories into your wardrobe – jewelry, beaded purses, etc. And, anyone who has experienced a New England winter can appreciate the warmth and style of a cloche hat.”

The world’s top fashion designers have embraced Art Deco in their lines. Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent are known to incorporate the influence into their designs, and celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Sienna Miller love to show it off.

“Many of the Art Deco design elements have earned a place on the list of classic looks in fashion,” says Calderin. “Designers tap into different things and reinterpret them for today’s consumers. In fashion, the beaded flapper column dress is iconic and you still see versions of it on the red carpet, like the gown worn by Natalie Portman to the 2005 Golden Globes.”

Nicole Kidman also donned a gold and cream flapper dress to the 2004 Golden Globes, which was designed by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent.

Songstress Christina Aguilera’s current style fix pulls from aspects of Art Deco from her clothes to her hair.

“In beauty, you have the polished finger-wave inspired hairstyles – both male and female,” says Calderin.

The Anne Fontaine Boutique on Boylston Street in Boston, MA saw some of their most Art Deco-inspired pieces for the Spring/Summer 2006 collection fly off the shelves.

“Our most popular piece was where the lace was cut with extreme geometric shape, which is very unusual,” says Katie Antonucci, manager of the boutique. “It is very retro; much different from the more romantic and feminine look of lace.”

From boutiques to Bloomingdale’s and the red carpet to your local lounge, everyone can add Art Deco items into their everyday looks.

“If you are looking for it, you will find it,” says Calderin. “Today’s fashion really is about something for everyone.”