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

Editor: So, this is a textile design called "Art - Goût - Beauté" from 1932, by H. Rouit. It seems like a pretty striking, chaotic arrangement of geometric shapes. The navy on off-white feels almost nautical to me, and yet the shapes are so fragmented! What catches your eye about this piece? Curator: Oh, it's delicious, isn't it? Like jazz for the eyes! I'm immediately drawn to the way the solid blocks play against those delicate, net-like patterns. Rouit is winking at us, I think. This was part of a broader movement towards abstraction, and, looking at it now, the idea of creating functional fabric with what are quite radical designs, makes my heart soar. Does the fragmented nature hint at the societal changes of the time, perhaps a touch of unrest within the elegance? Or do you feel more a playful rhythm? Editor: That's interesting – unrest. I was focused on the rhythm, almost like a dance. But I see what you mean; the disruption could definitely be interpreted that way. Curator: Think of those flapper dresses! There's such movement and modernity in this seemingly simple design. It just makes you want to Charleston, right? It feels as relevant today, as it did back then! The designer managed to do this really amazing balancing act of order and disorder. What’s your take on this pattern and decor approach of textile designs in the late 20s early 30s? Editor: I see how it broke from tradition and introduced radical changes. Now, seeing its historic context, it speaks volumes. I really got a lot out of this design. Curator: Exactly, me too. Makes you realize patterns aren’t just patterns, they're conversations!