Historian Marc Chevalier reveals the true artist behind the famous works at the Oviatt Building. Get inside the landmark this Sunday.

Historian Marc Chevalier is obsessed with Downtown’s Oviatt Building. The vintage clothing collector and connoisseur has been researching the former haberdashery for years, wears original suits from the store and even produced a documentary film about the art deco landmark.

His research has uncovered much hidden history about the tower, and last year he traveled to Paris to present his findings at the centennial of the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, the famed design fair which lent its name to the style.

The entrance to the Oviatt buildingCredit: Photo by Marc Chevalier

On February 8, the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles is hosting Chevalier for an illustrated lecture in the room where it happened. Members of the social club and preservation and educational group organize outings to historic bars and restaurants around L.A. called “Cocktails in Historic Places” as well as their big annual ball at the Casino on Catalina Island. The group hosts a costume party at Halloween time and conducts tours of vintage venues like the Fox Pomona theater for members.

Ceiling at the entrance to the Oviatt BuildingCredit: Photo by MelissaMStewart

The 1928 Oviatt was one of the spots that brought the glamorous style to Southern California. “It was extremely influential,” says the club’s president, Margot Gerber. “The store was a hub for a lot of movie stars, movers and shakers, and that sort of society that was ruling Los Angeles at the time.” Chevalier will look at how Los Angeles embraced the world’s most modern style.

Chevalier dug deep into the glass ceiling of the Oviatt foyer and discovered that much of the artwork had been misattributed to the wrong artist. “He was able to prove it through research he did in Paris a couple of months ago,” Gerber explains. “We decided this (revelation) had to happen at the Oviatt.”

Gate detail from the Oviatt BuildingCredit: Photo by MelissaMStewart

Scroll to continue reading

Deco, Go West: How A Monumental Exposition in Paris Conquered Los Angeles
Sunday, February 8, 2026
1:00 PM  2:30 PM
Oviatt Building
Cicada
617 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA, 90017