Pavane ; Robe du soir, de Worth 1921

George Barbier made this pochoir print called "Pavane; Robe du soir, de Worth," back in 1922. It feels like a fashion plate but it's also a mood, all the marks describing an attitude. The whole thing is built from flat colors and crisp lines. It's about shape and silhouette, kind of like cutting out paper dolls. Look at that dress – it's a big, dark balloon, but then the bottom edge is all fussy and frilly. That contrast is so good! And her fan! It is a big plume of pinky-mauve feathers that totally clashes with her gray skin. That unexpected colour, just a hint of the absurd, really makes the image so exciting. Barbier’s print reminds me of Erté, who was also working at the time in fashion and theatre design, both artists knew how to make something that was both elegant and just a little bit weird. I love art that doesn't take itself too seriously.