Très Parisien, 1925, No. 11, Pl. 8: Création Jean PATOU - MAXIM'S 1925

Editor: This whimsical piece is titled "Très Parisien, 1925, No. 11, Pl. 8: Création Jean PATOU - MAXIM'S" from 1925, found in the Rijksmuseum. It seems to be made with ink and watercolor, giving it a light and airy feel. The fashions are undeniably stylish and distinctively Art Deco. What catches your eye about this illustration? Curator: Ah, yes, Art Deco – it’s like distilled glamour! And this illustration is a perfect little snapshot of Parisian chic in the roaring twenties. The way the artist, G-P. Joumard, uses such simple lines and soft colours… it's almost dreamlike, isn't it? I’m struck by how poised these figures are, practically floating on the page, as if lifted right out of a Fitzgerald novel! Look at the details! Did you see that the patterns hint at architecture as well as fashion? The clothing echoes skyscrapers! How daring! Do you pick that up too? Editor: Yes! Now that you mention it, there’s a connection between the figure's decorative details and rising geometry! It's a fascinating parallel between the built environment and fashion trends. But who were these outfits targeting? Curator: Certainly the very wealthy. Imagine yourself promenading along the Champs-Élysées! It conjures a sense of optimism, progress and an exciting modernity after the trauma of World War I. Fashion was utterly changed by then, do you see the revolutionary androgyny there? It makes one reflect, where might such liberating fashion lead in our own time? Editor: It's intriguing how fashion captured that sense of change. The details hint at this newfound sense of freedom! Thanks, I learned so much today! Curator: Indeed. The pleasure was all mine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm feeling inspired for a new outfit… maybe something a little more Deco?