This April marks 100 years since the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs introduced art deco to the world. While the 1925 Paris exposition wasn’t the birth of the movement, it was a defining moment that propelled its sleek, modern aesthetic onto the global stage.

Art deco was never a singular style but a movement shaped by a desire to create a new visual language for the modern world. Though it faded in popularity after World War II, a resurgence in the late 20th century—sparked by British author Bevis Hillier’s 1968 book Art Deco of the 20s and 30s—cemented its place in design history.

Miami Beach played a key role in this revival, hosting the first World Congress on Art Deco in 1991. Now a biennial event, the congress gathers experts and enthusiasts dedicated to preserving its legacy. This October, the 17th edition will return to Paris, celebrating a century of art deco’s influence.

For more on the history and impact of art deco, check out DEZEEN – “Art deco designers had a desire for an aesthetic for a modern world”