Très Parisien, 1925, No. 9, Pl. 7.- IBIS BLEU 1925

Editor: This watercolour illustration, "Très Parisien, 1925, No. 9, Pl. 7.- IBIS BLEU", is by G-P. Joumard. It presents two women in stylish dresses. There's something about the colour palette and the figures' elongated forms that I find very evocative of the Art Deco era. What cultural influences were shaping fashion and art during this period? Curator: It’s fascinating how Joumard captures the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, isn't it? This era was shaped by a radical break from the past after World War I. There was a widespread sense of liberation and a rejection of Victorian stuffiness. The rise of mass media, especially fashion magazines like 'Très Parisien,' democratized style and made haute couture accessible to a wider audience. Consider how this illustration serves as both art and advertising, blurring the lines between cultural production and commerce. Editor: That makes so much sense! So, beyond just displaying clothing, these images also played a role in shaping aspirations and dictating trends. Did these magazines exert significant social control, shaping idealised images for women? Curator: Precisely! Think about the title "Très Parisien" - it instantly conjures up an image of chic, modern elegance, selling not just dresses but also a lifestyle. And the specific design choices in the garments, like the looser silhouettes and shorter hemlines, signal the newfound freedom of women. This kind of imagery influenced the public role of women. Also, it highlights the intersection between artistic representation and the politics of fashion. Did anything surprise you about that interpretation? Editor: It's amazing to realise how many social forces converge in one picture! Curator: Indeed, it reveals a complicated mix of artistic expression, commercial interests, and societal shifts. Editor: It truly has me considering fashion and art in a new light. Curator: That’s wonderful. The interplay between art, commerce and history always offers such fascinating insights.