Art deco, or Deco, is an influential visual arts design style which first
appeared in France during the 1920s, flourished internationally during
the 30s and 40s, then waned in the post-World War II era. It is an
eclectic style that combines traditional craft motifs with Machine Age
imagery and materials. The Art Deco style is often characterized by rich
colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation. Deco emerged
from the Interwar period when rapid industrialization was transforming
culture. During its heyday Art Deco represented luxury, glamour,
exuberance, and faith in social and technological progress.
