Paul Van Loo, Sketch from 1911 Ink and watercolor drawing on paper - costume models

Paul Van Loo, Haute Couture Sketches, 1911. Drawing in ink and watercolor on paper of costume models. This sketch comes from a collection of 15 drawings and bears Van Loo's signature in the lower left corner, originating from a private residence in Milan and is in perfect condition. The sheet is unmounted and unframed.

The design originates from the Liberty era and depicts two elegant ladies dressed in sophisticated clothing and accessories. 

The elegance of these stunning silhouettes is particularly noteworthy, brought to life by the decisive and confident features characteristic of the fashion designer, a professional of the time. 

In fashion design, new projects are presented as hand-drawn sketches before being cut and sewn. The fashion designer first creates the figure, the feminine image, which reproduces the shape of the wearer—a realistically looking figure posing, perhaps inserted into an everyday context, such as these walking figures, a context that best illustrates dresses, hats, shoes, and other accessories. 

These refined Art Nouveau and Art Deco style designs, as well as very rare and collectible pieces, are perfect for studio decor, reflecting an elegant, affluent world full of perspectives and helping to recreate the fascinating transformations that took place in costume fashion of that era, where women's fashion, reflecting women's emancipation, adapted to more functional and sporty clothing. 

Beautiful antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a specific character and soul. This is a nod to history, creating and designing classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.

There are many styles characterizing antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, during which the Biedermeier style was prevalent. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. 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 strongly references ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, a term derived from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative pieces meant to shine with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these items even more.

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

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