This is an article from the June 2025 Civitas Examiner (Volume 2, No. 3) and was written by one of our students, Georgia E. The opinions expressed herein do not reflect those of Civitas other than respect for the value of open dialogue. To read more Civitas Examiner stories or to submit your own, click here.
The 1920s in France, also known as the Art Deco era, was a time of luxury, jazz, glamour, and a hope for the future. After all the grief and sadness from WWI, the world wanted to reclaim the future in a brand new image. Developing first in France but rapidly spreading worldwide, Art Deco has become one of the most lasting design traditions to this day. Including the evaluation of design, music, technology, and overall, a way of life.
Jazz styles emerged in the early 1920s, challenging traditional values and also playing a role in racial integration. The Jazz Age included energic rhythms, improvisations, and social dancing, often seen in jazz clubs. This made jazz clubs a huge part of society and social life. Along with changes in racial integration, jazz clubs were also a new revolution for the way women were involved in the community. Women were now being included in public life and nightlife like never before. Creating a sense of feminine freedom, which ran alongside a newly emerging cocktail culture.
Design was transforming not only in fashion but in architecture as well. Strong buildings represented a promise for a strong future, with architecture consisting of sharp lines and geometric shapes. Bringing in elements from all over the world, with ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics being a main element. With King Tut’s tomb being discovered in 1922, Egyptian features in design became very popular. Symmetry was also a big factor in Art Deco architecture, making buildings look slick and clean.
Overall, the 1920s in France, also known as the Art Deco era, was a time of hope. With people all over the world wanting to reclaim what their future would hold. Filled with luxury, glamour, and advances in not just design but also technology. The Art Deco era was a monumental time period in history, changing design and a way of life forever. A great way to learn more about how France looked in the 1920s is through the current exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum. The exhibit has already started and ends on the 27th of July.
