Impromptu 1938 - 1940

Jeanne Lanvin’s "Impromptu" is a dress design rendered in pencil, ink, and watercolor, evoking the spirit of haute couture in early 20th-century France. Lanvin, a self-made woman, navigated the complex social strata of Parisian society to build her fashion empire. This design encapsulates the era's shifting ideals of femininity. The emphasis on a slender silhouette, with a nod to ornamentation through the large bow, reflects a move away from restrictive Victorian garments towards more fluid forms. The color choice, a deep forest green, speaks to the somber mood that permeated Europe after World War I. Lanvin's work provided women with a sense of liberation and elegance amid profound social change. The inclusion of fabric swatches alongside the sketch is an intimate look into the creative process, and offers a tactile dimension to the visual representation of fashion. "Impromptu" captures a moment in time, reflecting both the aspirations and the realities of women's lives in a rapidly evolving world.