urban art deco

wicked cool...i have been deeply inspired by ART DECO design for awhile now but am seeing the emergence of a new kind of URBAN ART DECO that makes sense to me. if you think about it, years ago the aviator graced movie screens with its sumptious but soft lit images that were both muted and brillant at the same time. it's that idea of going back in time through a lens that reveals fluid grace and clear lines. the same lines that evoked security and structure for the unsure depression era.

with its clean lines, geometrical structure, and subtle but unique form, ART DECO is a soothing design style. it's simple and modern. everything from interior design to fashion seem to be taking its cues from a kind of art deco, structural assurance...perfect for our modern-day uncertain times...you can see it in chevron patterns, the same uniform lines that can be found in vintage art deco pieces. there's something reassuring, beautiful and modern in something so timeless.

case in point: i've coveted for some time items like Oscar de la Renta's chevron flatware & serving pieces from his home collection. it's a kind of modern & urban art deco look that's at home in relaxed & organic environments that let accent pieces have center stage. these de la renta pieces are sold out everywhere, but a girl can still dream. artel also has gorgeous chevron patterned crystal barware infused with vibrant colors...kinda like the new ipods of barware. 

joya also makes luscious oil diffusers and candles in scents such as himalayan goji berry, and the literatti cool gunpowder green tea...which you know 18th century French poet Baudelaire would have written to by candlelight. and the  jasmine absolute & sugar which Colette would have hidden in between flapper embroidered lingerie. The asteroid shapes...black & white...with simple accent images remind me of something phillip starck would create if he was time machined back to the art deco era and had to show everyone what the future was like. i particularly love the octopus oil diffuser (my nephew is currently obssessed with them and i must admit i truly share his love affair with these sea creatures) .

the skull and cross-bones candles look like something a modern day f. scott fitgerald would have in his loft apartment in the east village or what would inspire a gautier pirate & punk rocker collection... 

 

....i'll cover more of this trend under a future VINTAGE FIGHTING SPIRIT post this week. i would certainly expect to see more of this art deco inspired design in the future...ie. hillary swank is working on that new Amelia Earheart-inspired movie and i sense more structure, clean lines, to move us forward Great Gatsby style, bringing structure & clarity of design to our shaky times... - STYLE NOMAD 12/28/08

PHOTO CREDITS: 1.-4. Aviator movie by Warner Bros. 5.-6. Oscar de la Renta home acessories. 7. Artel glasses. 8.-10. Joya candles. 11.-13. Photos by Unknown.