Très Parisien, juin 1922: 1 (Spécimen gratuit) - APRÈS-MIDI 1922

This fashion plate, ‘Très Parisien, juin 1922’, was made by J. Dory as a free sample. It gives us a glimpse into the aspirations of the Parisian upper classes. The scene depicts two women showcasing the height of 1920s fashion. With its sleek lines and bold geometric patterns, the dresses reflect the Art Deco style that was then in vogue. Look closely and you can notice the Egyptian motifs, reflecting France’s fascination with Egyptian culture that followed the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. The magazine itself, part of a flourishing fashion press, catered to a specific social class and helped disseminate these trends. It served as a powerful tool in shaping consumer desires and dictating standards of taste. To truly understand this image, we need to consider the broader social and economic conditions of post-war Paris. Research into the fashion press of the time, alongside studies of French consumer culture and the Egyptian revival, would further illuminate the social meanings embedded in this stylish drawing.