Art Deco Aesthetic
in
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Art Deco Aesthetic
Art Deco is a twentieth century aesthetic that emerged after World War 1. It flourished in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s,
before becoming less popular after World War Two ended. There have been multiple revivals, such as in the 1980s. Art
Deco's influence permeated everything from architecture to jewelry. The style uses geometric forms, clean lines, and is
often angular or streamlined. Colors are usually bold and chosen for contrast. Patterns are bold, symmetrical, and
geometric. Popular materials were Bakelite, plastics, chrome, steel, aluminum, as well as stained glass, lacquer, and
inlays. The Art Deco aesthetic is also very important to Dieselpunk and Decopunk, as without Art Deco, neither would
really exist.
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries revolves around the personal and professional life of Phryne Fisher, a
glamorous private detective in late 1920s Melbourne.
Phryne Fisher is a thoroughly modern woman of the 1920s. She sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs
of Melbourne, fighting injustice with her pearl handled pistol and her dagger-sharp wit. Leaving a trail of admirers in
her wake, Phryne makes sure she enjoys every moment of her lucky life.
In Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries; the sassy female detective Phryne Fisher effortlessly uses her charm and wit to solve
a host of various crimes, all whilst looking impeccably stylish. Phryne favors loose flowing layers of fabric, long
coats and occasionally trousers (which would certainly have been daring at the time). As Phryne is a wealthy aristocrat
(hence her full title The Honorable Phryne Fisher), of course, her wardrobe choices may not reflect the majority of
people at the time.
The series, based on the books by Kerry Greenwood, shows in addition to the exciting murder cases a beautiful picture of
the spirit of the times, full of jazz cafés and chic hotel lobbies.
Bobline hairstyles,
festive necklaces,
daring flapper dresses,
red lips,
scarves,
elegant hats and
radiant brooches are also omnipresent.
The series breathes Art Deco. Not surprising: in 1920 the popular style movement started to peak. But not only in the
field of fashion, beauty and jewelry, Miss Fisher is Art Deco. Also in the houses and locations that can be seen in the
series, the style is respected through furniture, wallpaper, fabrics and lamps.
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