Ink and watercolor drawing on paper - models of Belle Epoque costumes

Haute Couture Belle Epoque dresses. Sketch for dress patterns from around 1911. Ink and watercolor drawing on paper of Belle Epoque costume models, signed below Zou 1909. It comes from a group of 15 drawings, some of which date from 1911, and others, like this one, are signed.

The elegance of these incredible silhouettes is particularly noteworthy, brought to life by the decisive and confident traits of a fashion designer, a professional of the time. The drawing originates from a private residence in Milan and is in perfect condition. The sheet is unmounted and unframed. 

In fashion design, new projects are presented as hand-drawn sketches before they are cut and sewn. The fashion designer first creates the figure, the feminine image, which reproduces the shape of the wearer—a realistic-looking figure, perhaps posed within a contemporary context, used to illustrate details such as fur inserts, dresses with geometric patterns, suits, hats, shoes, and other accessories. 

These sophisticated designs in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, as well as very rare and collectible, are perfect for decorating a studio. They reflect an elegant, affluent world full of perspectives and help recreate the fascinating transformations that took place in the costume of those times, where women's fashion style—an expression of women's emancipation—adapted to more functional and sporty clothing.

Luxurious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. This is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the creation of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own distinctive features.

There are many styles characteristic of antique furniture, but a few stand out as the most important. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, marked by the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century. Everything was influenced by Napoleon’s reign, which imposed a strong resemblance to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also heavily references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. The next is Baroque, a term derived from Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly ornate, statement pieces designed to radiate glamour and play a significant role in luxury. Unique materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the past era. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and bas-reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. They also reflected an interest in mythology and antiquity, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture inspired by Italian and French creators, demonstrating admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that each country perceived furniture production differently, so each style had its unique character. This is especially important when searching for an elegant antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of elite antique furniture is originality. And this is ultimately crucial from the buyer's perspective, as many counterfeits circulate on the market. Luxury Products provides a certificate confirming that the product matches the actual description and photograph. We have at your disposal art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world.