Discovering Erté: A Love Affair with Art and Design

Several years ago, while browsing through an estate sale, I stumbled upon a beautifully framed poster that immediately caught my eye. It was bold, elegant, and dripping with glamour, yet there was an undeniable sense of whimsy. I had no idea who the artist was at the time, but I had to have it. That poster was by none other than Erté, a legendary figure in the Art Deco world, and little did I know, it would shape the entire aesthetic of my home years later.

Who Was Erté?

Romain de Tirtoff, better known by his pseudonym Erté, was a Russian-born French artist and designer whose influence spans across fashion, theater, and fine art. Erté's work became synonymous with the Art Deco movement in the 1920s and 1930s. His style, a blend of fantasy and opulence, often featured elongated figures draped in luxurious fabrics, geometric patterns, and intricate details.

Erté wasn’t limited to one medium—he worked in everything from costume design to graphic art, jewelry, and sculpture. His work adorned magazine covers, such as Harper’s Bazaar, and his costume and set designs graced major theater productions, including those on Broadway. His art has a theatrical quality, full of drama and elegance, which makes it so distinctive and timeless.

The Allure of Erté’s Style

Erté’s designs exude elegance and movement. His figures are often depicted in flowing gowns with delicate accessories, all in stylized, almost dreamlike settings. He played with bold lines, vivid colors, and often infused elements of mythology and history, making his work feel timeless yet modern.

His influence in the Art Deco period cannot be overstated. Erté’s ability to combine angular geometry with soft, sinuous lines was revolutionary. His use of metallics, rich jewel tones, and intricate patterns became defining characteristics of the movement. What drew me in when I first saw his poster at that estate sale was that seamless marriage of sophistication and playful fantasy—qualities that feel both luxurious and accessible at the same time.

Styling My Apartment Around Erté’s Work

As I began to dive deeper into Erté’s world, I quickly realized that his work didn’t just belong on my wall—it had the potential to transform the entire aesthetic of my home. I started styling my apartment with Erté’s art as the focal point, and soon, it became clear that his style could marry beautifully with several of my favorite design influences: Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and Hollywood Regency.

It all started with that one poster, but over the years, I began to collect more of his works, including prints and decorative pieces. The bold geometry and opulence of Erté's work influenced my love for rich color palettes—think deep emeralds, sapphire blues, and luxe gold accents. The Art Deco glamor that Erté championed blended effortlessly with the clean, functional lines of Mid-Century Modern furniture. The sleekness of Mid-Century pieces provided the perfect balance to the more ornate, decorative Hollywood Regency touches I love—mirrored surfaces, plush velvet, and metallic accents.

Together, these styles create an eclectic yet cohesive feel, with Erté’s influence tying it all together. The geometry and luxurious textures of Hollywood Regency, the elegance of Art Deco, and the simplicity of Mid-Century Modern all play off each other to create a space that feels glamorous, lived-in, and uniquely mine.

How Erté Influenced My Design Philosophy

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from Erté’s work is that you don’t have to stick to just one style. Much like how Erté fused the opulence of past eras with the boldness of modern design, I found freedom in blending different aesthetics. For me, Erté represents a bridge between periods, cultures, and ideas—a reminder that great design is fluid and evolves with you.

At Desert Lotus Vintage, we often talk about the beauty of blending the old with the new, and that philosophy resonates so deeply with my personal space. In the same way that I combine vintage and antique pieces in my shop, I’ve found that my home—like Erté’s art—thrives on this balance of contrast. His ability to make the dramatic feel natural and the fantastical feel grounded has inspired my approach to both my personal and professional life.

Bringing a Touch of Erté to Your Space

If you’re looking to add a bit of Erté’s magic to your own home, start with artwork that resonates with you. Whether it’s an original print, a poster, or even a small decorative piece, use it as a starting point. From there, don’t be afraid to mix different styles and eras. Pairing bold Art Deco accents with sleek Mid-Century furnishings or gilded Hollywood Regency mirrors can create a layered, dynamic space that feels both elegant and personal.

Whether you’ve long admired Erté’s work or you’re just discovering it now, there’s no denying the timeless appeal of his style. Stop by Desert Lotus Vintage to explore pieces that can help you incorporate some of that signature Erté glamour into your home. After all, sometimes the best design inspiration comes from the most unexpected discoveries—just like the one I made all those years ago at that estate sale!

Stay Golden!

Sharifah McKay