Sketch for clothing patterns circa 1911. Drawn in ink and watercolor on paper

Sketch for clothing designs around 1911. Ink and watercolor drawing on paper of Belle Epoque costume models, circa 1911. It belongs to a group of 15 drawings, some of which date from 1911, and others are signed, like this one, which bears the signature Van Loo.

Particularly noteworthy is the elegance of these incredible silhouettes, recalled through decisive and confident fashion designer features, a professional of fashion from that era. The drawing comes from a private Milanese residence and is in perfect condition. The sheet is unmounted and unframed. 

In fashion design, new projects are presented as handmade 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 figure with a realistic appearance, posing, perhaps set within a contemporary context, used to detailedly illustrate dresses with geometric motifs, suits with fur collars, hats, canes, shoes, and other accessories. 

These sophisticated projects in Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, as well as very rare and collectible, perfect for studio decor, reflect an elegant, affluent world full of perspectives and help recreate the fascinating transformations that took place in the costume of those times. During which 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 decor. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts for 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 originates from the 19th century, during the reign of the Biedermeier style. Its variants in the early years of this century 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 styles of classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture and accessories date from the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Everything stems from Napoleon’s reign, which imposed significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, a name derived from the Portuguese *barocco*—meaning irregularly developed pearl. These were highly representative pieces of furniture, literally dripping with splendor and playing a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to further 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 former era. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture-making art. Renaissance style was quite heavy and bulky. Brown stains, cornices, sturdy bases, and reliefs were used. It can certainly be said that these were quite specific products, but they opened up many new possibilities, such as the construction of cabinets or broadly speaking, chest furniture. Here too, mythology and ancient times were of interest, so supports or legs often took animal forms.

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

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. 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 art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world at your disposal.