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. Part of a group of 15 drawings, some dating from 1911, others, like this one, 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 era. The drawing comes 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 handmade sketches before being cut and sewn. The fashion designer first creates the figure, the feminine image, which reproduces the shape of the wearer, a realistic-looking figure posing, perhaps set 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, perfect for studio decor, reflect an elegant, affluent world full of possibilities and help recreate the fascinating transformations that took place in the costume of those times. During this period, women's fashion style, reflecting women's emancipation, adapted to more functional and sporty clothing.

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