Costume Design 

This is Erte’s costume design, though the exact date is unknown. Erte, who lived from the late 19th to the late 20th century, was working during a transformative period for fashion and identity, especially concerning gender. Notice the figure's exaggerated features and lavish costume. With the pinks and golds Erte evokes a sense of opulence, femininity, and theatricality that challenges conventional representations of women. The figure appears to be holding a mask, hinting at hidden identities or a performance of self. Erte’s designs were often intended for stage productions, blurring the lines between costume and character. This piece reflects the cultural shifts of the time, particularly regarding gender expression and performance. The figure's bold appearance, with its nod to drag, invites us to consider the emotional and performative aspects of identity.