Art Deco Chic: Extravagant glamour between the wars opens at Kitsilano-based Museum of Vancouver Thursday, March 8. This bedazzled exhibition showcases more than 60 women’s garments from the 1920s and 1930s in art deco style.
The dresses and coats come primarily from the private collections of Ivan Sayers and Claus Jahnke, complimented by special pieces from the MOV’s collection.
The design style known as art deco began in Paris in the 1920s and quickly gained worldwide popularity. Art deco inspired dreaming also made a resurgence in 2012 spring runway fashion particularly during the Gucci and Ralph Lauren shows. In Art Deco Chic visitors to the MOV can take in 66 gorgeous garments from the era.
Art Deco was a distinct departure from previous design styles, drawing inspiration from geometric shapes to evoke elegance and modernity. It was also influenced by an increased ability to travel world wide – bringing inspiration not only from modernism, but from faraway places such as Russia, Egypt, and Mexico.
Notable Vancouver items on display include a black beaded gown worn to the opening of the Commodore Cabaret in 1929 and a red and gold lamé evening dress made from fabric depicting the battles of the Trojan War. Many items on show are exquisite designer dresses with labels such as Chanel, Lanvin, Vionnet, Patou, and Schiaparelli. To contrast these high fashion items is a piece from the MOV’s collection – a modest, yet stylish, navy polka dot dress made by the Aurora Dress Company of Vancouver around 1927.
The garments and accessories on display come from the private collections of Ivan Sayers and Claus Jahnke, as well as from the MOV and other’s collections. Handbags, hats, shoes, and jewelry will further illustrate the use of geometric shapes to create sleek, sophisticated designs.
Curators: Ivan Sayers and Claus Jahnke
Photos: Rebecca Blissett and Amanda McCuaig
Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street, (Vanier Park), 604.736.4431, Museumofvancouver.ca
Last modified: February 24, 2012
