Cocktail 1937

Editor: This drawing, aptly named "Cocktail," is a 1937 fashion illustration by Jeanne Lanvin, held at the Rijksmuseum. The combination of ink and drawing creates such a poised image. It’s quite elegant but almost has an air of melancholy to it. What do you see in this piece, beyond the dress itself? Curator: Melancholy... that’s a brilliant observation! It does carry that sentiment, doesn’t it? Beyond the obvious glamour, perhaps it's a subtle commentary on the changing social landscape of the time. Lanvin was such a genius at capturing a certain je ne sais quoi. Do you notice the limited colour palette and how that impacts your read of the piece? Editor: Absolutely! It’s mostly blacks, whites, and beiges, which gives it this very classic, almost vintage feel. The white highlights on the dress really pop though. Why do you think she kept it so simple in color? Curator: Well, during the late 30s, a certain austerity was creeping into fashion due to impending war. Luxury wasn't quite as flagrant as it was in the roaring 20s, and I think this restrained palette speaks to that. Almost a quiet rebellion against excess. Plus, a streamlined silhouette and a neutral colour scheme made the dress more versatile, fitting various body shapes with a universally elegant appeal. Don't you agree? Editor: That makes so much sense! I was so focused on the aesthetic I didn’t even think about the historical context. This was very insightful! Curator: And you started me thinking about how designers can so gracefully channel the temperature of the world in their craft. I learned as much from your perspectives as you learned from mine!