Art - Goût - Beauté, Feuillets de l' élégance féminine, Juin 1932, No. 142, 12e Année, p. 6 1932

R. Drivon made this fashion plate, “Art - Goût - Beauté,” in June 1932, and the title really gives you a sense of the aspirations of the time. It’s all about taste and beauty, right? Drivon's approach here feels so of-the-moment, capturing a certain ideal of femininity. The colours are muted and elegant, mostly olives and creams, with just a touch of coral. The drawing is all about line and form, which gives the figures a sense of structure but still feels light and airy. Look at how the shadows are rendered, almost like watercolor washes, which gives a delicate, ephemeral quality. If you look at the grey in the hedgerow, you see how the careful choice of colours create a sense of depth and space. This piece reminds me a little of Erté, actually – that same focus on clean lines and a sophisticated palette. But Drivon’s work has its own unique charm. It’s a snapshot of a particular moment in time, yet it still feels fresh and relevant. It really celebrates the beauty of art and fashion!