Dress c. 1937

Arelia Arbo made this beautiful watercolor dress design on paper. It reminds me of my own process, starting with a simple idea and letting it bloom on the page. Look at the way the colors melt together, soft pinks and greens dancing across the fabric. The application of the paint is so delicate, almost like a whisper. You can see the hand of the artist in every stroke, a gentle touch that brings the dress to life. The tiny floral pattern is so charming. It’s like each little flower is a tiny moment of joy captured on the paper. Arbo's work reminds me of Agnes Martin, both artists sharing a similar sensitivity towards colour and line. Just like with painting, fashion design can be an ongoing conversation, with each artist building on the ideas of those who came before. It's a reminder that art is always evolving, always changing, and always open to interpretation.