Très Parisien, 1928, No. 2 : 17.-TRAIN BLEU.-Deux pièces (...) 1928

This fashion plate, made in 1928 by an anonymous artist, uses lithography to show off Parisian style. I find myself wondering about this artist – were they also working in fashion, maybe designing these clothes? Look at the way the image is put together – a few blocks of color, brown for the skirts, blue for the suits. I think the artist is using the bare minimum of information to convey the cut and fabric of these pieces. Each color does so much work! The tan background feels like a quick watercolor wash. The whole thing has a very economical feel, like a painting that is trying to save paint, but still get the point across. It makes me think about all the work and thought that goes into making something seem effortless. This piece, in its unassuming way, shares something about the spirit of its time and place.