How Art Nouveau and Art Deco Styles Shaped the Costumes in Arcane

After the successful conclusion of the second season of Arcane, the series continues to captivate audiences with not only its story and characters but also its stunning visual design. The characters’ costumes play a significant role in shaping the narrative, reflecting their personalities and social contexts. These outfits draw heavily from two contrasting artistic movements — Art Nouveau and Art Deco — perfectly capturing the divide between the worlds of Piltover and Zaun.

Art Nouveau: The Grace of Natural Forms

Art Nouveau, or "new art," emerged in the late 19th century, spearheaded by Victor Horta. Developed in response to the Industrial Revolution, this movement rejected standardized, machine-made goods in favor of handcrafted artistry. Its hallmark characteristics include flowing lines, organic shapes, and a muted color palette featuring hues like burnt orange, olive green, and soft blue. Art Nouveau sought to blur the line between utility and aesthetics, integrating beauty into everyday life.

Art Deco: The Elegance of Modernity

Art Deco rose to prominence after World War I, inspired by technological progress, innovation, and luxury. Its motifs include sunbursts, zigzags, fans, and waves, showcasing a preference for geometric forms, symmetry, and bold colors like emerald green, peacock blue, and metallic tones. By the 1930s, Art Deco had evolved into "Streamline Moderne," a substyle characterized by smooth lines, horizontal accents, and nautical themes, commonly seen in industrial design and architecture.

In fashion, Art Deco introduced elegant silhouettes, shorter hemlines, intricate beadwork, and fringe. Glamorous "mermaid" dresses and opulent fabrics with crystal embellishments further defined the era. This timeless style remains a symbol of sophistication and continues to inspire modern design and couture.

Contrasting Worlds Through Costume Design

The disparity between Piltover and Zaun in Arcane is vividly illustrated not only through architecture and social divides but also through the characters’ costumes. These designs expertly convey the distinct atmospheres of the two regions.

Zaun’s aesthetic draws heavily from Art Nouveau’s principles, especially its color palette. However, the style is adapted to reflect the city’s gritty and impoverished reality. While Art Nouveau originally adorned high-fashion events, in Zaun, it transforms into a raw, earthy palette that mirrors the harsh environment.

Characters from Zaun wear outfits that emphasize their connection to their surroundings. Burgundy, brown, deep blue, and muted purples dominate their wardrobes, highlighting their survival-driven spirit and the adversity they face.

Piltover: The Geometry of Elegance

In contrast, Piltover’s characters embody the sophistication and structure of Art Deco. The shift is particularly evident in Viktor’s wardrobe. In Zaun, Viktor’s attire consists of a simple wine-red shirt, a denim-and-cotton two-piece jacket, and loose olive trousers. Upon moving to Piltover, his clothing evolves into lighter, more refined fabrics. His new wardrobe incorporates geometric patterns, such as vertical stripes on his shirts, reflecting Piltover’s polished and structured society.

Mel Medarda: A Vision of Art Deco Luxury

Mel Medarda, a noble member of Piltover's city council, epitomizes Art Deco elegance. Her white gown, likely crafted from silk or satin, features triangular cutouts at the hips and waist that elongate her silhouette and highlight her natural poise. Her golden accessories — earrings, hair cuffs, and a regal diadem — exude opulence, enhancing her commanding presence.

Caitlyn Kiramman: Practicality Meets Refinement

Caitlyn Kiramman’s wardrobe reflects a subtler interpretation of Art Deco. Though from Piltover’s elite Kiramman family, her attire leans toward practicality while maintaining understated sophistication. Her shorter navy-blue dress evokes the "Charleston" styles of the 1920s, combining tailored lines with fluidity. The design hints at military influences, with structured details that complement her active, determined nature.

A Seamless Fusion of Art and Storytelling

The costumes of Arcane serve as more than mere attire; they are narrative devices that deepen the contrast between Piltover and Zaun. By weaving the elegance of Art Deco with the organic forms of Art Nouveau, the series brings its world to life, blending artistry with character development in a way that continues to inspire fans and designers alike.