Styles Defined

We thought a good way to start the year would be to take a closer look at some of the "styles defined" article that Gayla posted on the tip of the day thread. It was a pretty extensive list so we aren't going to be able to take a deeper dive into all the styles listed, but let's take another look at four important styles Art Deco, Nautical, Hollywood Regency, and Mod.

Art Deco

Art Deco was an influential visual arts design style that first appeared in France after World War I. ** " (French: L'Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) was a World's fair held in Paris, France, from April to October 1925. The term "Art Deco" was derived by shortening the words Arts Décoratifs, in the title of this exposition." Art Deco took off internationally in the 1920s-1940s before it's popularity waned after World War II. This style is recognizable by the use of geometric designs, straight lines, and stylized figures. It was an eclectic style that often combined traditional crafts motifs with Machine Age imagery and materials. The style is often characterized by the use of rich colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation. Since Art Deco emerged in the period between World Wars it was impacted by the rapid industrialization that was transforming Euporean culture. In fact many feel one of it's major attributes is an embracing of technology, distinguishing Deco from the organic motifs favored by it's predecessor - Art Nouveau.

Additionally, women's lives changed dramatically during the early 20th Century. During WWI millions
of women set off to work to fill the positions left by men fighting in the war. A new spirit of freedom and
liberation was taking over and out went the traditional, meek woman and came a strong new generation
of women, unafraid to wear either short hair and/or shorter skirts.

Art Deco style jewelry can be identified by streamlined, angular, geometric shapes.Squares, triangles, rectangles, hexagons and zigzag shapes were used. Common Art Deco engagement ring shapes were Princess (square), Emerald (rectangle) and Baguette (long rectangle).

Art Deco by vintageimagine featuring crystal bathroom accessories

Nautical

The earliest concept of Nautical style first emerged after 1858 with the Act of France declaring a part of the French Navy's standard issue of navy and white striped shirts, (making it easier to spot sailors who fell overboard). That simple design began the world's love affair with this style. After all there is a romantic image of life on the sea reflected in a navy jacket with brass buttons or a crisp sailors uniform; that harkens the unpredictable nature of the sea. More than a century later the Nautical style has become an ageless trend.

The look is classic ("preppy at sea") with traditional shapes and bold colors of black, navy, white, and red. Nautical style is important in fashion, as well as, home decor. You'll see anything that speaks of yachting, anchors, ropes,grommets, etc. Nautical is never really out of style due to the classic colors and shapes - it was however, a hugetrend in the 1980s & 1990s. Have fun with this bright clean style pair classic white pants with a vintage striped sweater or vintage bucket hat.

Nautical by vintageimagine featuring nautical accent pillows

Hollywood Regency

Most often thought of as a decorating style emerging in the West Coast in the 1930s ~currently making a modern comeback. In the 1930s renown designers from Hollywood's Golden Age, like William Haines and Dorothy Draper encouraged West Coast film luminaries to decorate their home with glitz and glamour this new style was created. There is no denying that high Hollywood style is back in fashion.

Think wonderful fabrics (rich velvet or silk), tasteful use of fringe, and of course crystals or diamonds! Have fun this is a design style that is meant to be an eclectic mix of styles with an overarching theme of luxury.

Hollywood Regency by vintageimagine featuring christmas serveware

"Mod" Style

Mod is a culture and fashion style based on the Modernism culture of the late 1950s to the late 1960s. The fashion originally came from the streets of London. The origin of the "Mod" style was focused on music & fashion, this subculture was a small group of London based stylish young men in the late 1950s who were termed "modernists" becaused they listened to modern jazz. The term Mod was first used to define 1960s British youth subculture that was revived in later decades and continues today on a smaller scale. Style characteristics include; unisex styles, sharp graphics/black & white, bold prints, mini skirts, geometric patterns, and chunky shoes.