Très Parisien, 1923, No 6: 6.- CRICRI. - Pour le soir, cette robe... 1923

Editor: So, this watercolor illustration, "Tr\u00e8s Parisien, 1923, No 6" from 1923… it feels very poised and self-aware, almost theatrical. The model's pose and the Art Deco styling of her dress exude a kind of confident glamour. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s interesting you pick up on the theatricality. For me, that’s really embedded in the symbolism of clothing itself. It goes beyond mere utility; clothes become performative extensions of identity. And, particularly in the 1920s, we see a dramatic shift – this discarding of Victorian constraints for something looser, more fluid, both literally in the fabrics, like lamé mentioned in the text here, and figuratively, as a new social freedom. Consider the colors; even in this muted palette, what do the silver tones signify about aspirations in post-war Paris? Editor: So the dress embodies freedom and aspiration? Curator: Exactly. Think about the bold red accents—shoes and a vertical stripe on the dress, punctuating this freedom with flashes of intense energy, maybe even rebellion. Consider the psychological impact of shedding heavy, restrictive garments and embracing something so light and fluid. It isn't just about aesthetics; it reflects a profound societal shift, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Yes, absolutely! I hadn't thought about it in terms of rebellion before, but it makes perfect sense. Curator: And rebellion that finds expression, unexpectedly, in couture, which speaks volumes. Editor: I’ll definitely look at fashion illustration differently now. Thanks!