Art Deco originated from the French art exposition at Le Musee des Arts Decoratifs held in 1925.  While this original exposition was actually showcasing nouveau designs from around the world, it fueled the experts that President Hoover sent to learn from this event. 

Experts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Institute of Architecture as well as many American architects that attended the event inspired the huge influence of designs throughout the 1920’s up until 1940.   

The term “Art Deco” was not actually used as a separate category from Modernism until Patricia Bayer through a retrospective study in 1966 described Art Deco as "architecture of ornament, geometry, energy, retrospection, optimism, color, texture, light and at times even symbolism."

American Art Deco designs following the exhibition were seen throughout home décor, architecture and interior design as well as fashion and fine art.

Strong geometrics with simplistic colors and angles were prominent.  They portrayed a powerful strength and beauty that was desperately needed during the economic depression that had gripped the nation.