Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 1913, No. 53 : Toilette d'aprés Midi 1913

Aris Metzano made this print titled 'Toilette d'aprés Midi' in 1913, using a combination of engraving and hand-coloring. This was a common method for fashion plates at the time, balancing mechanical reproduction with individualized craft. The image depicts a woman in a long, green dress with a purple sash, gazing into a mirror. The fine lines of the engraving define the contours of her figure and the details of her clothing. Notice the texture given to the hat and the delicate rendering of the lace collar. These details would have been carefully etched into the metal plate. The hand-coloring adds a layer of luxury and exclusivity. Each print would have been individually painted, making it unique. This speaks to the aspirational nature of fashion, where mass production meets the desire for individual expression and the culture of taste. The print is from the Journal des Dames et des Modes, which reflected a world of conspicuous consumption. Yet even here, the labor of the artisan is evident, reminding us that fashion is not just about the final product, but also the many hands that bring it to life.