Gazette du Bon Ton, 1920 - No. 3, Pl. 18: Et puis voici mon coeur (...) / Robe d'Été en voile de Ceylan de Rodier 1920

This fashion plate, ‘Gazette du Bon Ton’, was made by Charles Martin in 1920, using printmaking techniques. The blue outline is just so crisp, isn’t it? It reminds us that even something as commercial as fashion illustration is made with a similar sensibility to fine art. I love the way Martin captures movement with simple lines, look at the dress. It looks like Ceylon voile is light and breezy, but also holds its shape – the drape is so well communicated. The color palette is really interesting: the blue outline contrasts with the pinks and greens of the landscape. It’s a simple palette, but it gives the piece a real sense of depth. It makes me think of the work of Erté, who also used simple lines and bold colors to create elegant and sophisticated images. Ultimately, this piece shows us that art and fashion are always in conversation with one another, influencing and inspiring each other in surprising ways.