Toujours Chic Les Deshabillés, Hiver 1921-1922: Azalée 1921 - 1922

This pochoir print, "Azalée," was made circa 1921 in France by G-P. Joumard. It depicts a stylish woman wearing an elegant, though loosely fitted, pink dress with lace detailing, typical of the "garconne" look that emerged after the First World War. The image offers us insight into the social and cultural shifts of the early 1920s. The devastation of the war had a profound impact on society, and traditional gender roles were being questioned as women sought greater independence and freedom. The fashion of the time reflected this changing attitude. The text beneath the image tells us that the dress is made of metallic lace and Chinese crepe. These high-end materials speak to the commercialization of art and the relationship between art and fashion. This print belongs to a larger album called "Toujours chic. Les deshabilles," which suggests the fashion industry's growing desire to cater to women's changing desires. Examining fashion plates such as this one alongside other historical sources allows us to better understand the changing role of women, the rise of consumer culture, and the complex relationship between art, fashion, and society in the interwar period.