Evening Attire.. 1923

George Barbier made this image, Evening Attire, with ink and watercolor, and I can imagine him really enjoying the process. He works with delicate lines and washes of color, carefully building up layers to create a rich surface. I’m picturing Barbier experimenting with color combinations, playing with textures, and trying out different ways of representing the figures and their clothing. It’s all about observation and interpretation. I get the feeling that he has a playful sense of humor; this work winks at the viewer. The plumes of the fan are so fun! How the lady’s patterned coat plays off the gentleman’s stark black suit - a masterclass in surface design. It’s like he's having a conversation with the great fashion illustrators of his time, like Erté, but with his own unique voice. These guys are all informing one another, riffing off each other's ideas. Each gesture, each stroke, carries weight because it’s connected to this larger conversation.