Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 1914, No. 153 : Tailleur de petit drap (...) 1914

Victor Lhuer created this fashion plate, titled "Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 1914, No. 153" during a period of significant social change. The image comes from a time just before the full horrors of World War One, with an eerie sense of impending change and the fragility of beauty. The “tailleur” or suit, signals an interesting moment in the history of women’s fashion, as tailored suits allowed women to engage in more active roles in public life. The suit, rendered in an unusual shade of greenish-yellow, pushes against the established conventions of femininity with its almost masculine cut, white shirt and tie. The journal itself played a crucial role in disseminating Parisian fashion trends across Europe and beyond, shaping perceptions of modernity and sophistication. The figure in the image, with her confident stance, seems to embody a changing ideal of womanhood. The image captures a fleeting moment of beauty and elegance on the cusp of historical change.