Très Parisien, 1923, No. 1: Creation ALICE BERNARD... 1923

Editor: Here we have “Très Parisien, 1923, No. 1: Creation ALICE BERNARD…", made in 1923. It seems to be a fashion illustration, primarily in greens and blues. It strikes me as very Art Deco, with those geometric patterns and streamlined silhouettes. What do you see in this piece beyond just a fashion plate? Curator: This image, though seemingly just a snapshot of 1920s fashion, reveals much about the shifting roles of women in society at that time. We see the 'garçonne' silhouette – rejecting traditional feminine forms. What do those shorter hemlines and looser fits represent to you? Editor: Freedom, I guess? A breaking away from older, more restrictive styles, literally and figuratively? Curator: Precisely! This aesthetic embodies the burgeoning independence and self-expression of women post-World War I. This print circulated widely, imagine the subtle rebellion it represented in homes and public spaces. It was an accessible form of activism, declaring a shift in identity through style. What do you make of the reference to 'Emerald' in the inscription? Editor: Maybe Emerald was the designer’s way of subtly pushing for change by choosing a bold colour and using a striking title for the piece? Curator: Exactly, using "emerald," suggests more than just a colour choice, perhaps aligning with emerging concepts around gender and visual messaging. Fashion was then, as it still can be, a powerful statement of intent, and resistance. Editor: I never considered fashion illustration as a form of social commentary. It's fascinating to view this piece through that lens. Curator: It's about excavating the layered meanings embedded within seemingly simple imagery, and thinking about its legacy today.