Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 1914, No. 161 : Robe de nansouk 1914

Monogrammist MFN created this pochoir print, entitled 'Robe de nansouk', for the Journal des Dames et des Modes in Paris, 1914. This fashion plate embodies the stylistic trends of the time, but it also hints at the changing social roles of women. The image presents a woman in a tiered white dress, accessorized with a yellow ribbon. The soft colors and flowing lines reflect the influence of Art Nouveau, while the geometric shapes suggest the emerging Art Deco style. Published on the eve of World War One, journals like this played a crucial role in shaping and disseminating Parisian fashion. They not only dictated trends but also reflected the aspirations and ideals of a society undergoing rapid transformation. As women began to participate more actively in public life, fashion became a means of expressing independence and modernity. To fully appreciate the historical context of such images, we can consult primary sources like the journal itself, as well as social histories that explore the evolving role of women in early 20th-century Europe.