Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 1914, No. 136 : Pardessus de vigogn (...) 1914

Jan van Brock made this fashion plate in 1914, as part of a series called “Costumes Parisiens.” The lines are so clean and sure, aren’t they? I can imagine van Brock working with a practiced hand, capturing the essence of Parisian style just before everything changed with the war. Look at the figure's pose, so self-assured, hands on hips. What was van Brock thinking about when they chose to depict it? The hat seems to be throwing a shadow on the belly, that’s so good! The minimal use of color—just blacks, whites, and grays—makes me think about the graphic impact of fashion. The stripes on the trousers and scarf create a rhythm, a visual beat that animates the whole image. There is a conversation here, across time and between artists. It’s a reminder that we’re all part of a bigger story, influencing and being influenced by those who came before us.