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. It originates from a private residence in Milan and is in perfect condition. The sheet is unmounted and unframed.

The design comes from the Liberty era and depicts two elegant ladies dressed in sophisticated outfits 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 setting 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 decorating a studio. They reflect an elegant, affluent world full of perspectives and help recreate the fascinating transformations that took place in costume design during those times, where women's fashion style—an expression of 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 for high-quality vintage items that have a distinct 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 own distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few are particularly notable. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, especially the 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 dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. It originated during Napoleon’s reign, characterized by significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture reflects the 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 materials were selectively used to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style has had on modern classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture-making art. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and solid, often using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of cupboards and broadly speaking, chest furniture. They also drew inspiration from 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 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 that suits your interior.

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