Suit (Costume) c. 1937

Mary E. Humes made this design for a suit, probably with pencil and maybe some watercolor or gouache. It's a study in balance. On the one hand, we have the clear, hard lines of the garment’s construction, and on the other, the soft, flowing lines of the decorative embroidery that snakes along the dress like vines. The contrasting dark and light tones give the design depth and dimension. The drawing has a muted palette, but those black curlicues are so alive. I wonder if Humes imagined the person who would wear this suit. She probably understood the power of clothing. The way an outfit could transform someone. The way a well-made garment could make you feel confident, powerful, or even a little mysterious. This drawing feels like a conversation with other artists and designers, all trying to capture something fleeting. Isn’t that what art does?