Art-Goût-Beauté, ca. 1924 : Borgia. - Manteau du soir (...) c. 1924

This fashion plate, Art-Goût-Beauté, ca. 1924, uses line and flat color to describe a scene, like a stage set—a little like if David Hockney was an illustrator for Vogue. I imagine the artist, probably working quickly, deciding how much information to give us about these outfits and the scene. It's an economy of marks. Look at the way they play with the contrast between flat shapes and decorative details, creating depth and movement with just a few strokes. I really relate to the problem-solving they're doing here, trying to evoke form with the least effort possible. And the colors! The hot and cool pairing of red and black, and the brown and orange complement: this person knows color. In a way, fashion illustration is like the still life painting of its time, except the objects are not just fruit, but aspirational ideals of beauty and style. It’s a reminder that creativity thrives on constraints and that great art can emerge from the most unexpected places.