Late Modern

1945 - 1970

Inspired by avante-garde, the American innovations took over as artists used rejected and non-decorative approaches, creating a simplistic and popular acceptance. Artists emerged from all corners, such as Christian Dior. Yes he is french, but he still made a large impact in fashion and design world. Below, is his 40's and 50's new look, simplistic designs. The obvious parts of Dior's designs in this time were tightfitting pieces, and skirts and dresses following straight lines, most of the time incorporated together. In 1950 he created a new style, The Sailor suit. (the last one)

(all Christian Dior images have been found at www.topfoto.co.uk/gallery/Dior/default.htm )

Sensitive to his surroundings, and creating a new way of designing, Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the most influential, famous architectures in the design world of 1940's and 50's, and since he began his career. In the long time he lived (92 years) Wright had created some of the most beautiful architectural pieces in time, using the natural landscaped surroundings as his inspiration. He began architecture at the age of 18, studying and practicing his skills. By age 26, he began his own practice. He used an architectural language that was unique to the United States, and no look to the Europeans. He created homes...

He created businesses...

(interior of museum)

He created a home for county departments...

Over his 70 year long career, Wright had designed over 1,000 buildings which over 400 were built.

(all Frank Lloyd Wright information and images from www.designmuseum.org/design/frank-lloyd-wright )

Art Deco

Between the end of the WW1 and beginning of WW2, Art Deco was the new design style to influence the world. Art Deco uses geometric shapes, Eqyptian zigzags, lightning bolts, shapes and curves, motion lines and streamlined forms creating a futuristic theme. It is still influenced by Art Nouveau by it's shape and they share the representation of luxury, glamour and culture.

Lines and curves were very important in this age, they were used everywhere. Miami is famous for its Art Deco buildings, and this is where you can see the American Kitsch designs begin to overlap, as the Art Deco period ends, and American Kitsch begins.

Cassandre was the famous advertisement designer of the Art Deco age. His posters largely used geometric shape, and connected typography and picture together, perfectly. He also used overlapping and experimented with different angles, designs and influences. He did alot train and shipping advertisements using his geometric shape.

His last advertisement was rejected, and found on his desk after taking his own life. It used a combination of imagery, design, shadow, and his original Art Deco bold colours and shape influences.

Here are some more retro Art Deco pictures ☺