Lijf van japon, samengesteld uit grijsbeige gelanceerde zijde met roze rozen, groene gaze de lisse en geelgroen fluweel c. 1894 - 1985

This dress, made from beige silk with roses, gaze de lisse, and velvet, feels like a painting where the canvas *is* the garment. The roses and leaves are like brushstrokes, each one placed with intention. It's not just about covering the surface; it's about building a composition. I'm drawn to how the different materials play off each other. The subtle sheen of the silk contrasts with the soft texture of the velvet, creating a tactile experience. The waist is cinched, but the skirt flows out, giving a sense of movement. The overall palette is muted, but the pink roses provide a pop of color, like a painter adding a final touch. It reminds me of Klimt's portraits, where the dress becomes an extension of the subject's personality. Like Klimt, Van Kerm is not just creating an image but building a world, an outfit that invites us to step into a different time, to imagine the life of the person who wore it. In art, as in fashion, nothing is ever quite fixed; it's always open to interpretation, to transformation.