Gazette du Bon Ton, 1921 - No. 3, Pl. X: Robe d'après-midi et costume tailleur, de Paul Poiret, et robe d'après-midi, de Jeanne Lanvin 1921

Porter Woodruff made this fashion plate in 1921, using colored chalks on paper. It's a fairly straightforward medium, but the real subject here is the world of Parisian haute couture. The image shows a dress and suit by Paul Poiret, and a dress by Jeanne Lanvin, two leading designers of the era. They made garments for wealthy clients, using the finest materials and employing skilled labor. This image is a kind of advertisement, a representation of the lifestyle that could be obtained by buying into these brands. But look closely at the drawing style, and you'll see that it's not just about the clothes themselves. Woodruff has used the chalk to create a sense of texture and movement, suggesting the tactile qualities of the fabrics. This adds another layer to the image: a sense of the hand, and the labor involved in making these clothes. Fashion plates like these are fascinating because they sit at the intersection of art, craft, and commerce. By considering the materials and processes involved, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values they represent.