Des robes dans la nuit ; Robe du soir, de Worth 1921

George Barbier created “Des robes dans la nuit” as a fashion plate, a printed illustration from 1921 intended to showcase the designs of the House of Worth. The printmaking process – likely pochoir, a type of stenciling – is key here. It allowed for the application of flat, vivid colors, ideal for capturing the luxurious textiles and intricate detailing of the evening gown. Consider the context: Worth was a leading Parisian couture house, synonymous with exclusivity and high-end craftsmanship. Barbier’s image would have been circulated among elite clientele, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the latest trends. The dress itself, with its fluid lines and understated embellishments, reflects the era’s embrace of modern elegance. Yet the print also subtly reveals the labor and artistry involved in haute couture, from the skilled hands that crafted the garment to the artisans who meticulously produced the fashion plate. Barbier's print invites us to appreciate not only the finished product, but also the network of making that brought it into being. It’s a reminder that even in the realm of high fashion, craft and process are always at play.