Style Inspiration: Art Nouveau

In my last post on style inspiration, I mused on the possible style inspiration one could draw from Gothic architecture. In keeping with that same theme of style from historical art and architecture, today, I'm bringing you style inspiration from the turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau style from Europe. Art Nouveau covers a few different mediums, including furniture, sculpture, painting, and architecture. For my purposes I'll primarily be discussing Art Nouveau as it applies to paintings and illustrations.

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Firstly, a bit of absinthe appreciation wouldn't go amiss. As the illustration above shows, absinthe was huge in the artistic circles of Europe at the time, and it made it's way into their illustrations. In your look you can do this by featuring the green fairy herself, or by adopting shades of emerald and peridot. Still more interestingly, you could add absinthe motifs, like the below Alchemy Gothic slotted spoon necklace.

Everywhere you look Art Nouveau is being praised (or condemned) as being one of the more organic styles you can find. This is partially due to the presence of floral motifs and patterns, which are also a perfect element to include in your style. Alongside flowers, vine motifs work perfectly, and will help to convey the iconic whiplash curves that make up the backgrounds of much Art Nouveau work.

Ornate details featured on the dresses of many Art Nouveau women can be found in many articles of clothing (or easily DIYed.) Motifs you might want to consider are the whiplash curves, dragon flies, and leaves featured in the prints. Or a smattering of jewels along the neck and waistlines are also perfect options.

Much of the Art Nouveau style of dress was shockingly revealing for the time, but it wasn't just meant as porn! Many of the women of Art Nouveau symbolized natural symbols and virtues, many in line with those from Ancient Greece. Thin, flowing fabrics perfectly mimic the "grecian" dress styles of Art Nouveau subjects' clothing.

When one thinks of the Goth look, one (probably) doesn't think of a neutral look. However, Art Nouveau ladies are rarely spotted sporting heavy winged eyeliner, so to mimic their naturalistic grace use lighter eyeliner, maybe a bit of blush, and a pale lipstick. Keeping your hair in either a messy bun or long and slightly curled will complete the look.

Would you all consider wearing any Art Nouveau inspired style?