PHILOMÈLE / Robe de Bakst réalisée par Paquin 1912

This costume for Philomèle was designed by Léon Bakst and made by Paquin, likely of fabric and other materials. Bakst was celebrated for his imaginative stage designs. Here, line, color, and form combine in a sketch which would have guided skilled dressmakers in the execution of a garment. The success of the design relies upon its physical qualities and the way in which it drapes the wearer, which depends on the qualities of the fabrics used. The textural interplay between different cloth, and its relation to the wearer's body in motion, were key considerations in the design process. The execution of such garments involved not only the designer’s imagination, but also the specialist skills and labor of dressmakers, embroiderers, and others engaged in the production of luxury fashion. Recognizing the contribution of these makers helps us to appreciate the full story of the artwork, bridging the perceived gap between fine art and craft.