Très Parisien, 1923, No 11: 12.- PROMENADE D'HIVER. - Tailleur chic en velours... 1923

Editor: Here we have "Trés Parisien, 1923, No 11: 12.- PROMENADE D'HIVER. - Tailleur chic en velours..." a print by an anonymous artist, created in 1923. There's a real elegance and simplicity to the figure and I love the flat washes of colour. How would you interpret this work? Curator: This piece, while seemingly a simple fashion illustration, offers a fascinating insight into the social and cultural values of 1920s Paris. The very title "Très Parisien" declares its intention: to capture the essence of Parisian chic. Editor: That makes sense. So it's about capturing a specific moment, not just an outfit? Curator: Precisely! Consider the context: the post-war era saw a loosening of social norms, a greater emphasis on leisure and consumer culture. Fashion magazines played a crucial role in shaping and disseminating these new ideals. How does the outfit itself speak to these changing roles of women? Editor: Well, it seems both elegant but also practical. Like something you could wear around town. Curator: Exactly. It’s luxurious velvet, but a practical tailored suit, suggestive of an active woman participating in public life. The Art Deco aesthetic with its streamlined forms further emphasizes this sense of modernity and dynamism. The 'Promenade d'Hiver' title gives it context of outdoor use; is fashion starting to cater for people travelling and needing versatile attire? Editor: Oh, I see! So it's not just about looking good, but about a whole lifestyle and the changing roles of women in that society? Curator: Absolutely. It reveals the complex interplay between fashion, art, and societal shifts. This work highlights how seemingly simple imagery is often loaded with cultural meaning and reflects very specific moments. Editor: That's a great point, I'd only seen this piece at face value previously, and hadn't given its context much thought. I’ll remember that when approaching artworks in future!