By Lisa Moore
An Evolutionary Approach to Fashion
Photo: Pixabay
Art Deco, a design movement whose roots emerged during the Industrial Revolution, is identified by its striking geometric silhouettes, bold colours, and luxurious aesthetic that sought to capture the spirit of contemporary design. This style profoundly impacted the fashion scene in the early 1900’s, transforming how clothing and accessories were created and perceived. This movement became a trailblazer for elegance, simplicity and functionality with an edge, incorporating unique materials like metallics and plastics, alongside traditional fabrics such as silk and velour. Over the last several decades, Art Deco has taken a linear and streamlined approach on runways around the world, but it was only until recently where its presence alongside the sustainability movement became mainstream in fashion for the public eye to admire.
Art Deco illustration (Photo: Pixabay) Click to enlarge
Today, Art Deco and the sustainability movement have joined forces to represent a unique blend of historical trends with modern eco-conscious creativity. As the fashion industry has gradually begun to prioritize sustainable methods, the curated story of Art Deco provides inspiration for innovative design while promoting environmental change for the sake of our planet. Upcycling and vintage revival are moving their way to the top of the priority list for many designers around the world, encompassing some of the unique materials used historically including organic cotton, recycled fabrics and innovative textiles. The vintage aesthetic of Art Deco aligns well with the upcycling trend. Many brands are repurposing materials and garments which gives new life to older materials, forcing these teams of artists to think outside the box all while taking an eco-friendly approach to help minimize the impact that fast fashion has on our planet. It is a forward-thinking approach that honours the past, while addressing modern challenges.
Canadian brand Greta Constantine (Photo courtesy of Holt Renfrew)
British designer Erdem (Photo courtesy of Holt Renfrew)
FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Art Deco Quartz Stainless Steel Watch (Photo: Holt Renfrew)
Several designers around the world, including high-end labels are successfully blending Art Deco and sustainable fashion materials including Greta Constantine, Lucian Matis, Rejnia Pyo, Erdem, Gabriela Hearst, BODE, and Reformation. Here in Canada, many brands as well as up and coming designers, are beginning to make waves by showcasing their artistic and sustainable collections at events such as Fashion Art Toronto and Eco Fashion Week, while communities all over the world have now spearheaded Sustainable Fashion Weeks which are continuing to grow in popularity. These designers illustrate how the elegance of Art Deco can be mutually integrated with sustainable practices, offering a fresh perspective on fashion that respects both artistry and the environment.
Art Deco fashion - mood board (Photos courtesy of SSENSE and Canva)
Art Deco fashion - mood board (Photos courtesy of SSENSE and Canva)
As fashion continually evolves, the Art Deco movement, with its profound history has also shown its resiliency by remaining relevant and adaptable. It will continue to influence the future of fashion through creative sustainable practices, tech integration, digital visuals and vintage revival. The cyclical nature of fashion suggests a resurgence of vintage inspired collections as we have started to witness over the last decade on various runways. This means the future of the relationship between Art Deco and sustainability in fashion looks promising.
Lucian Matis, Canada (Fashion illustration courtesy of the designer)
As those of us in the fashion world continue to move forward, appreciating the combination of historical inspiration and innovative approaches is important and will define the next chapter of Art Deco in the fashion landscape, all while protecting the necessary evolution of sustainability. The fashion industry is increasingly recognizing the need to shift away from fast fashion. Art Deco, with its emphasis on quality, craftsmanship and timeless design, offers a compelling alternative and embracing its principle offers a pathway toward a more sustainable fashion industry. It allows designers to create collections that not only honour its history and classic elegance, but also contribute positively to the environment and society.
Images by rawpixel.com on Freepik
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