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

Editor: So this watercolour and paper work is titled "Toujours Chic Les Deshabilles, Hiver 1921-1922: Orize" by G-P. Joumard. It reminds me of a fashion plate, elegant but kind of cool with its art deco style. What do you see in it? Curator: I see a powerful statement about the changing role of women in the early 20th century. Consider the symbolism of the pajamas themselves. Pyjamas have ancient roots in Persia, but in the West at this time, it's all about leisure and private life. Here, they are presented as high fashion, suggesting a blurring of public and private spheres for women. Editor: That’s a great point, I hadn't thought of that. So the clothes signal broader cultural changes? Curator: Precisely. Think about the Roaring Twenties - a time of liberation and challenging conventions. The androgynous silhouette also reflects this shift. What about the colour palette? What emotions are conjured up with such contrasting use of colors, patterns, and geometry of the whole composition? Editor: I think the bold black and gold colours give a sense of sophistication but also boldness. Curator: Exactly! These strong contrasts create a visual tension. It's an era defining itself through sharp contrasts between old traditions and a new modern age. What do you make of the name ‘Orize’? What could be it suggesting? Editor: Hmmm, it's probably related to the golden colours but perhaps is also hinting at the sun rising and with it new opportunities and challenges? That's very clever. I like how it combines style, history, and psychology to convey such a strong sense of transformation. Curator: Indeed. It reminds us that even fashion can be a potent carrier of cultural memory and aspiration. It also showed me how important fashion plates such as this piece are as cultural and historic markers.