The enduring influence of the Art Deco movement

the fabl September 29, 2025 4 min read

In a world where trends change with the seasons, few styles have the staying power of Art Deco. Born in the 1920s and reaching peak popularity in the 1930s, Art Deco was more than a design movement, it was a cultural shift.

Characterised by geometric patterns, rich materials, and a confident blend of modernity and luxury, Art Deco captured the spirit of a rapidly evolving world. A century later, its influence continues to shape contemporary fashion and jewellery with striking resonance.

What is Art Deco?

Art Deco - short for Arts Décoratifs - originated in France and quickly became a global phenomenon. It celebrated progress, machinery and glamour, reflecting a society riding the wave of industrial innovation and post-war optimism. The movement brought together bold lines, symmetry, metallics, lacquer, exotic motifs, and high-contrast colour palettes. Whether in architecture, fashion or fine jewellery, Art Deco design was all about drama and sophistication. What's not to love?!

Why Art Deco still matters in fashion

In today’s fashion landscape, where minimalism often reigns supreme, Art Deco offers an antidote: unapologetic opulence. Designers from Chanel to Gucci regularly reference Art Deco elements, whether in the form of structured silhouettes, embroidered geometric motifs, or the elegant pairing of black with gold or silver.

Art Deco’s influence is especially evident in eveningwear. Think gowns with beaded panels, flapper-inspired fringes and strong, square shoulders - all throwbacks to the Roaring Twenties. Even contemporary high street clothing collections often incorporate Deco-esque elements in prints, accessories or textile choices.

Celebrities have embraced the aesthetic on red carpets, often donning outfits that pay homage to Deco glamour. We see perfectly tailored tuxedos with sharp lapels, or gowns with intricate metallic detailing reminiscent of the Chrysler Building.

The Art Deco touch in jewellery

If there’s one domain where Art Deco never truly left, it's jewellery. The era was a golden age for jewellers, who explored symmetry, stylised patterns and innovative materials. Platinum, emeralds, sapphires, onyx and diamonds dominated the Deco palette, often arranged in bold, linear compositions. 💎

Today’s jewellery designers continue to draw inspiration from that timeless style. Brands like Cartier, Bvlgari and Tiffany & Co. frequently revisit their Deco archives, while modern designers reinterpret the look for a new generation - clean lines, stacked rings, geometric cuffs and statement earrings echoing the classic stepped and fan motifs of the 1920s.

Even engagement rings, which often follow more conservative trends, have seen a resurgence in Deco-inspired styles. Halo settings, emerald cuts, and intricate milgrain detailing are all nods to the era's enduring allure.

We keep coming back to Art Deco

Art Deco’s longevity lies in its unique blend of structure and sparkle; order meets elegance. Its symmetry and clean lines offer a sense of stability, while its richness and detail provide escapism and beauty. Art Deco design manages to be both vintage and modern, making it highly adaptable across decades and disciplines.

It also connects to something deeper: the belief in progress, individuality, and the celebration of man-made beauty. In an increasingly digital world, the tactile, crafted essence of Art Deco speaks to a longing for artistry and permanence. A century on, as fashion and jewellery continue to evolve, Art Deco is a reminder that true style is timeless.

Toolally’s Creative Director Mags loves Art Deco, as is evidenced by the range of striking Art Deco designs in Toolally’s range. The Art Deco Chandeliers were the style that started it all, and they still regularly top Toolally’s best-sellers. 🎉 This year we’ve brought out some new Art Deco styles such as the Diamond Drops and the Fan Chandeliers, and we think they’ll soon become firm favourites too. 😍