Vakblad voor de kleermakerij, Voorjaar-Zomer 1952, nr. 7 en nr. 8 1952

This fashion plate from the Spring-Summer of 1952 showcases the kind of bespoke tailoring promoted in "Vakblad voor de kleermakerij," which translates to "Journal for tailoring". Though anonymous, the artist worked in printmaking. Notice the precision of the draughtsmanship, rendering the cut and drape of these garments, likely using techniques like lithography or offset printing. The choice of fabric is critical. These illustrations aren't just about form; they’re a blueprint for the labor and skill involved in crafting these ensembles. Tailoring represents a high degree of handcraft, requiring meticulous cutting, stitching, and fitting to achieve the idealized silhouette. The textures and patterns speak to the industry that supported this craft. The emphasis on formality and elegance ties into a post-war aspiration toward upward mobility. Consider the contrast with mass-produced clothing. This journal proposes a different approach. It's a world apart from today's fast fashion, offering an antidote to our age of disposability.