Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 1914, No. 161 : Robe de nansouk 1914

This fashion plate, Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, was published in 1914, and is simply constructed from lines. I love these kinds of images - a line drawing, a fashion plate; it’s like a paper doll! I want to take it and give it to my daughter. The Monogrammist MFN - that sounds so mysterious! I imagine them sitting at their desk, drawing with a very fine pen, so delicately and precisely. They really are a master of their medium. I like how the frills of the dress seem to vibrate and move. The butterflies flit, there’s a sense of life and joy and celebration of the feminine, with all of the attendant fuss and bother! And of course, the clean graphic nature of the image allows the viewer to focus on the formal qualities of the dress itself. I love how the artist uses simple lines to create a real sense of rhythm. These images speak across time to other artists, sparking something new.