Art Deco – between wars, luxury and modernism Art Deco is an artistic style that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s, becoming a symbol of modernity, luxury and optimism after World War I. It combined influences of Cubism, Futurism, African art and exotic cultures, as well as a fascination with machinery and technical progress. It was characterized by geometric forms, contrasting colors, rich materials (such as ivory, tortoiseshell, chrome and lacquer) and bold, simplified shapes. This style manifested not only in architecture (e.g., the Chrysler Building in New York), but also in furniture design, jewelry, fashion, posters and everyday objects – such as carafes, clocks or lamps. Art Deco reflected the spirit of the era: a desire for elegance, dynamism and modernity, but also an escape from traditional historicism. Although its popularity declined after World War II, today Art Deco returns in collectible items and design inspirations, remaining an icon of interwar style and sophistication.