Très Parisien, 1927, No. 10 : -18.-SEULETTE. - Une joli (...) 1927

This page from “Très Parisien” magazine, made in 1927 by an anonymous artist, is just killing me with its simple elegance. It's like a recipe for a great painting. The artist lays down these perfectly imperfect lines, almost shaky, to define this dreamy dress made of "crêpe gris lamé d'argent traité avec souplesse", that's "silver lamé crepe, handled with suppleness". There is this kind of muted palette, all greys, blues, and creams which gives it such a cool, calm vibe. I keep coming back to that patch of blue flowers near her shoulder, like this burst of emotion against the neutral tones. It's just enough to wake you up. Looking at this print, I can't help but think of someone like Erte, who’s work also appeared in magazines of the time, but this is much more subdued and understated. In the end, art like this reminds us that maybe the best things are the ones that leave something to the imagination.