Deco Style

Posted By admin on July 1, 2010

Deco Style

Miami's art deco heaven

Miami is not only Florida’s second largest city and gateway to the Caribbean for many holiday cruises it is also home to one of the world’s most fabulous art deco areas, known as Ocean Drive found on South Beach, Miami.

Art deco as an architectural style swept the world following the successful ‘Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et Modernes’ staged in Paris during 1925. It was here that the very distinct style inspired by the newly discovered and exciting tombs of the Egyptian Pharaohs was actively promoted, capturing European hearts in the process.

Before long the fad leapt the Atlantic where it was embraced just as avidly as in Europe by the country’s architects and designers. Just about everything made during the ‘roaring 20s’ was constructed in art deco style, whether it was jewellery, clocks, everyday household items, cars or even skyscrapers; such as the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings in New York.

The ultra-fashionable style also caught the attention of John Collins and Carl Fisher, who were busy converting the previously inhospitable area of Mangrove Swamp into a leading tourist destination now known as Miami Beach. It was a long term project taking many years to get anywhere near fruition, but at the time when the plans for what is now Ocean Drive were drawn up in the 1920s, art deco was in its ascendancy, most definitely the on-trend style of architecture and why it is in such abundance along this unique street.

Depending upon the prevailing wind direction for landing aircraft, flights to Miami airport can pass over Ocean Drive on final approach giving a spectacular glimpse of what awaits passengers when they disembark. The majority of the hotels situated along the Drive offer colourful and classic examples of art deco architecture, as do villas, clubs, bars, shops and many other buildings.

Bold colours amplified by the bright Floridian sunlight, sharp painted lines and angular architecture give a spectacular look to this holiday paradise. Indeed, the quality of the natural lighting combined with the art deco backdrop has led to South Beach becoming one of the top locations for photo shoots in the USA.

Many people spend their holiday based in South Beach, travelling downtown to sample Miami’s numerous metropolitan delights and slightly further out to the Everglades National Park. Others combine a stay on this classic art deco Drive with a week of frivolity in theme park heaven, just 230 miles north in Orlando/Kissimmee; four hours drive by car. For them, nothing beats the look and feel of 1920’s inspired architecture, and when combined with the Florida sunshine proves an unbeatable combination.

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Why is the Mehndi style of design typically considered temporary (in henna)?

Mehndi designs seem to be a specific style of design (like gingham or Art Deco). Why is this design style not more common in permanent mediums?

Purely a fashion thing. It may become more popular as a permanent marking, or it may not. Better to ask why popular tattoo styles ARE popular.

BTW, gingham is not a style. It is a specific pattern.

Victoria Wieck 5.46ct Absolute Art Deco-Style Bangle Bra...