Cream Taffeta Dress c. 1937

This watercolor drawing by Arelia Arbo showcases a cream taffeta dress, with bold blue stripes defining its form. The verticality of these stripes echoes the columns of ancient temples, structures erected to elevate and inspire. Consider how this motif—the stripe—reappears through history. In medieval times, it marked the clothing of outcasts, of those set apart from societal norms. Yet, here it adorns a garment of elegance and status. How potent is the subconscious influence of the past! This transformation reflects a societal shift, where what was once stigmatized now carries an air of sophistication. The dress itself, a symbol of femininity and grace, invites us to consider the changing roles and perceptions of women over time. Indeed, symbols are never static; they evolve, mirroring our ever-changing collective psyche.