Fashions of 1923

My friend has a fabulous collection of paper ephemera, maps, old books, old ledgers, magazines, catalogues, letters, comics etc, some of which she uses in her beautiful works made from paper. You can view some of her work here: A thousand paper wishes. Do take a look, she makes gorgeous things.

A while ago she lent me a catalogue and a couple of magazines that she thought I might be interested in, which she found in a flea market and were too beautiful to cut up. They are all French, two of which feature the fashions of 1923 and one which features fashions of 1912. I thought we could look at the 1923 ones today.

Le Petit Echo de la Mode was a weekly French fashion magazine founded in 1879. The last issue was published in 1983. If you are interested in fashion history take a look at this site which has a collection of these magazine covers to browse through. The 1940's and 1950's ones are really beautiful.

The dress on the far right is called Papillon. I love the large bow at the back and how the the material of the skirt is repeated in the sleeves.

These are, from left, Esmeralda, Huberte, Martine and Claude. Martine is the one for me, I like the two plain bands of ribbon and then the long, sweeping feathers.

On the second row on the far left is some sort of house dress/robe/dressing gown. I would feel very glamorous in this.

I would have the one on the right, I like the scalloped edging and the sun hat.

I particularly like all three dresses at the bottom of the page but if I had to choose just one it would be Jeannette, in the middle. I like the way the plain fabric at the sides drapes away to show that lovely print.

The colour illustrations are especially beautiful. The rust coloured dress with the sailor tie neck and all the fabulous fringing does it for me. If I was a small child I would have that cherry print dress like a shot.

These are all a bit marvellous. However, mustard dress with mustard shows and a print parasol is mine!

I think it would have to be the green suit, especially if I could have the accessories as the hat and bag are gorgeous.

 Not that keen on either of these outfits but it is a lovely illustration.

With a name like Highlander I have to choose the one on the left!

A little knitted jacket. I can't follow a French pattern but I think the instructions are all there.

I must be having a thing about print as I like the outfit in the middle the most. It looks very comfortable yet stylish.

The chrysanthemum covered robe please!

Any of the three on the right would do for me.

I like the suit on the far right, plain with patterned lapels, cuffs and band round the jacket bottom.

If you are in the mood for more 1920's fashions take a look at my Pinterest board.