Whose Architecture Defined Art Deco?

Art Deco (from the 1925 "Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs" in Paris) was a visual arts movement characterised by geometric forms, lavish ornamentation, bold colours, and a celebration of modernity, technology, and luxury. In architecture, the Chrysler Building (1930, designed by William Van Alen) is considered the supreme Art Deco masterpiece: its stainless-steel sunburst crown, eagle gargoyles modelled on Chrysler hood ornaments, and ornate lobby with African marble and painted ceiling epitomise the style. The Empire State Building (1931), while more restrained, is another Art Deco icon. Other landmarks include the RCA Building (Rockefeller Center), the Eastern Columbia Building (Los Angeles), and Mumbai Marine Drive buildings. Art Deco also influenced furniture (Ruhlmann), fashion (Erté), painting (Tamara de Lempicka), and graphic design (A.M. Cassandre posters). The style faded during the Depression and World War II but experienced a major revival in the 1960s-80s.