Born into the Art Deco Age, author and photographer Arnold Schwartzman has savored his many visits to Paris, beginning with summer vacations spent with his aunt from the age of 11. In this live, illustrated presentation based on his latest book Paris Art Deco, Arnold will share his appreciation of Art Deco style as together we wind through the boulevards of La Ville Lumiere. We are thrilled to return to Los Angeles’ own Art Deco jewel, the 1929 Bullocks Wilshire building - and where better to hold a celebration of Paris’ Art Deco, than it’s french-inspired Louis XVI room!
With the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Moderne, Paris ushered a new aesthetic of “modern” design that would permeate everything from architecture to graphic design and the staples of housewares, not to mention fine art and fashion. Paris was the cradle of Art Deco, a style that emerged in the 1920s as a reaction to the overly ornate Art Nouveau and standard neo-classicism in the early 1900s. Likewise, it posed an alternative to Machine Age imagery emerging from Germany and the Soviet Union.
photo: Arnold Schwartzman.
The Exposition des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels was intended to revive the French luxury trades and it popularized a jazzy style of decoration that drew on many sources and expressed the spirit of the age. The Expo later gave its name to Art Deco which achieved some of its most refined and exuberant manifestations in Paris, while rapidly spreading across the world, from London to Los Angeles.
For those attending the 2025 World Congress on Art Deco in Paris this October, take note of some of these must-see Art Deco delights that still exist in Paris.
Arnold’s Art Deco Paris book will be for sale and signing at the event.
Due to the limited capacity of this event, tickets will be on sale exclusively to members at this time. There will not be food or beverage available at the event.
We are exploring the possibility of broadcasting the lecture on Zoom. Ticket sales for that will be announced when it is confirmed.
This event is only in the Louis XVI room and other areas of the building will not be accessible.
photo: Sunday Ballew, 2024
About the Louis XVI Room:
The Louis XVI Room, designed by Eleanor LeMaire, reflects the elegant style of the palace of Versailles. Its regal appearance and ballroom-like setting was created with chandeliers, gilded accents and warm tones of ivory and gold to best reflect the setting where evening gowns would be worn. And yes, this is the same room where our fashion shows are held.
About Our Speaker:
Arnold Schwartzman is an Oscar-winning filmmaker, a noted graphic designer, and the author of many books including London Art Deco (2013), Art Deco City (2018), Arts & Crafts (2021) and Miami Art Deco (2023). He began his design career in British television before moving to Hollywood in 1978. He was the Director of Design for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, and for a number of years has designed many of the key graphic elements for the annual Academy Awards. He lives in Los Angeles:
Dress Code:
We aim to create immersive events and that includes attendees! Please dress up as one did for a day of shopping at Bullocks Wilshire! Sweaters, suits, blazers, vests, skirts, day dresses and slacks are appropriate attire. Vintage or vintage inspired attire encouraged. No sportswear, t-shirts, jeans or other casual attire.
Parking:
Parking is $15. Stop at the kiosk to pay. State that you are attending the Art Deco Society event. You may not bring anyone in your vehicle who is not a ticket buyer. Everyone must have a ticket to enter the building.
Use the entrance on Wilshire Place (east side of the building off Wilshire Blvd.) at the last gate before you reach 7th Street. You will pass other gates that are not open before you get to the one that is.
www.swlaw.org is a wealth of information about understanding where to find the security kiosk for entry to the parking lot in a car or on foot and directions to the campus.
Go up the ramp to the top parking area. This is on the same level as the entry doors. Walk toward the building when you get out of your car. Check in will be on the ground level.
Getting There:
The building is between Westmoreland and Wilshire Place.
Closest to Wilshire/Vermont Metro Stop
If you do not drive a car to the location or are being dropped off, please use the pedestrian gate on Westmoreland (west side of building cross street). Westmoreland is a dead end. Before the end of the street, look to your left for the pedestrian entrance. The front doors on Wilshire will not be open.
Southwestern Law School (Bullocks Wilshire Building)
3050 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA, 90010