Over a year ago I found these fashion design examples from the late 1800s at a second-hand shop in Northern France while visiting a friend. The fashion designs were gathered in an old folder and appeared to be made by a teenager maybe for an art class or simply for her amusement. Each design was handmade on paper, the images were drawn then painted and then clothes were made for the "models" and stuffed to give a 3D effect.
A true artist giving each page a distinct
look with background design to match the "model's" attire.
The detailing of each outfit is elaborate and well crafted.
In the corner, you see a glimpse of my finger which thankfully as it gives you the viewer a sense of the size of these designs. I would have loved to meet this young person to hear why she created these. The fashion patterns are her own and hand sewn on to the paper.
Note the variety of scraps she used and the umbrella handle. The "models" are not of one person but of many which allow me to believe the paintings were of her own imagination and not of a singular muse.
Please note that the "model" on the right is drawn in pencil, her face is painted as well as a back of a chair and a plant in the background. With this, design, we can see a step or two on how she created them.
The faces amaze me.
As in any haute couture fashion show, there is a bride.
Gone with the wind comes to mind.
Notice the hand made embroidery?
I love the color palette of this one.
A close-up of a previous example.
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