How the legendary glassware brand Lalique is celebrating 100 years of Art Deco

This year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of one of the most notable movements in design: Art Deco. Originating in 1920s Paris, and spanning everything from architecture to decorative accessories, it is known for its elegant clean lines, geometric shapes and glamorous aesthetic.

These qualities can just as easily be attributed to the designer René Lalique, who revolutionised decorative arts with his innovative glasswork. Originally creating work as part of the Art Nouveau movement, Lalique transitioned and embraced the bold geometric lines and modernist ethos of Art Deco, producing iconic pieces for the fountain that adorned the Champs-Élysées gallery as well as tableware, statues and vases. His hallmark style combined clear and frosted glass with intricate textures, often incorporating themes of flora, fauna and classical figures. The "Bacchantes" vase, with its motif of the young followers of the Roman god Bacchus, epitomises the era's vitality and elegance.

René Lalique's legacy continues through the Lalique brand of today, which pays homage to its Art Deco roots in many of its contemporary pieces. Many of René Lalique's designs have been carefully modernised to align with the tastes and preferences of the modern Lalique customer. For example, the company has revived its classic "Languedoc" vase, originally created in 1929, and has updated it with new colours and materials. One such iteration is a vivid green crystal, paying homage to the lush landscapes of France's Languedoc region and reflecting René Lalique's historical use of gemstone colours. The brand's furniture, lighting and decorative panels also echo René Lalique's mastery of blending functionality with artistry.

Modern collaborations further honour Lalique's heritage by blending traditional craftsmanship with fresh perspectives. For example, Lalique Art partners with contemporary artists, such as Damien Hurst and Zaha Hadid, to create limited-edition pieces that reinterpret Lalique's original techniques and aesthetics. The most recent of these collaborations was the Terramineral collection in March 2025.

Reframing traditional craftsmanship in a modern way was one of the guiding principles for Art Deco designers such as René Lalique. It is fitting, then, that this concept is being reemployed by the modern Lalique team on their Art Deco archive. The brand's seamless integration of past and present ensures that René Lalique's vision remains relevant and, by celebrating its Art Deco origins while embracing innovation, Lalique continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Learn more about Lalique on The List by House & Garden.