Journal des Demoiselles 1914

This fashion plate from Journal des Demoiselles, made in 1914, shows us two women on the verge of a monumental shift. The artist, whomever they were, uses these delicate lines to outline a whole mood. The textures here are all implied, of course, but it's amazing how the controlled hatching gives a sense of depth, like you could reach out and feel the folds of the blue dress or the crispness of the white collar. It's like they're saying, "Here's a possibility, a way to be." Look at the bow on the white dress – it’s almost cartoonish, but it’s also so central to the composition, grounding the whole image. This piece reminds me a little of the later work of Erté, especially in the way it captures a specific moment in time. Both artists offer us a glimpse into a world of elegance and aspiration, while playing with a sense of form and representation. It’s like they're inviting you to dream along with them, but it's up to you to fill in the blanks.