Costume Design 

This costume design was made by Erte, who was active in the early twentieth century. The piece likely began as a drawing on paper, utilizing ink, gouache, and metallic paint to bring it to life. The color palette is bright and optimistic, typical of the Art Deco style. The way the design uses geometric shapes and streamlined forms reflects an interest in industrial design, and the burgeoning of mass media. Erte was deeply involved in the world of magazines and the stage, and his work was all about capturing the glamour of the moment. The costume itself takes on a machine-like quality that reflects the artist’s fascination with progress, but don't forget the amount of work that went into producing each piece. Erte challenges traditional distinctions between fine art, fashion, and design.