Toujours Chic / pour servir à l'histoire de la mode. Hiver 1921-1922: titelpagina 1921 - 1922

Editor: Here we have “Toujours Chic / pour servir à l'histoire de la mode. Hiver 1921-1922: titelpagina” by G-P. Joumard, created between 1921 and 1922. It appears to be a poster combining drawing and typography, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The image has such an interesting blend of stylish illustration and bold text. What social narratives do you see unfolding within this piece? Curator: This poster offers a window into the societal values and aspirations of the post-World War I era. It speaks volumes about the burgeoning fashion industry and its role in shaping the image of the modern woman. How does the choice of typography, for example, reflect the broader artistic movements of the time? Editor: I notice the Art Deco influence and a sense of streamlined elegance, a movement away from earlier ornate styles. Curator: Exactly. The simplification of form and embrace of modernity were key characteristics of Art Deco. And consider the poster’s stated purpose, "to serve the history of fashion." What does this tell us about the cultural importance being ascribed to fashion at that moment? Editor: It suggests fashion was seen as a subject worthy of historical record, not just fleeting trends. Curator: Precisely. The poster participates in constructing a specific narrative about French chic and its cultural value, primarily for the wealthier social classes. Who had access to 'chic,' and who dictated its terms? Was 'chic' a unifying factor or another means of social stratification? Editor: This really makes me consider the audience and the power dynamics within the fashion world during the 1920s. It wasn't just about beautiful clothes; it reflected and reinforced social hierarchies. Thanks for opening my eyes to the social implications embedded in this fashionable poster. Curator: And thank you for bringing your fresh perspective! It’s by questioning these established narratives that we can truly understand the poster’s place in history and its continued relevance today.