Girl's Dress c. 1937

Sara Garfinkel rendered this girl's dress in watercolor and graphite. It is a beautiful example of fashion illustration. Consider the qualities of the materials: the paper has a slight tooth, lending a subtle texture to the image; the graphite providing the skeletal lines, while the watercolor adding layers of transparency and depth. Look closely and notice how the application of color brings the textile to life, suggesting the drape and volume of the dress. Fashion illustration involves a kind of translation. In this case, from a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional representation. Garfinkel was deeply engaged with both the aesthetic and practical considerations involved in clothing design. The drawing stands as a testament to the artistry inherent in craft, underscoring the cultural significance and material intelligence embedded in everyday garments.