Furs 

This stylized image, made by Erte, is a celebration of both elegance and extravagance. The focus on fur demands that we consider the work involved in its production. Fur has always been a material freighted with meaning. Not only does it evoke the animal from which it came, but also the skills required to trap and prepare the pelts. Beyond that, the wearing of fur has historically been associated with wealth and status, particularly in the era of capitalism that took shape alongside Erte's career. The sleek graphic style, combined with the opulence of the fur stole, creates an interesting tension. Erte was keenly aware of fashion's role in shaping identity, and his choices invite us to consider the social and political implications of adornment. It demonstrates that the material and its making are central to understanding its cultural value.