Style lines and fit remain the same from 1800's to the 20th Century
The Roots of Bluesuits Designs May Well Be Found in 18th Century Paintings of Renior
This past Sunday I took a walk across the Park to the Frick Collection, one of my favorite spots in New York City. Currently among the exhibits there is a gallery dedicated to 9 iconic Full-Length Impressionist paintings of Renoir among which are
Dance in the Country ( 1882-83), Dance in Bougival ( 1882-83 ) and The Umbrellas ( 1881 and 1885) Above left. I used to have prints of the first 2 hangining on my walls as a teenager and seeing the real painting before my eyes was total bliss and pure inspiration. I was however, totally nailed, stopped in my tracks and found myself starring at The Umbrellas, specifically the women holding the empty basket and the striking resemblance of the style lines and fit of the jacket on her to Bluesuits designs.
The first sketches of The umbrellas was put on paper in 1881 and was set aside until 1885. In 1881 the garments were more elaborate and the female figure was a bit more plumb. By 1885 when Renoir finished the painting the fashion had changed to simpler and less elaborate designs and the perception of the perfect female figure was that of a slimmer woman.
Bluesuits Vevien jacket and the gored skirt was added to our collection in 2001 and we later paired the jacket with a different skirt shown below. We also show the jacket in tropical wool and match it to a pencil skirt, pants and a shift dress. It wasn’t until this last Sunday that I discovered the resemblance and am totally delighted. Isn’t it fascinating how draping and style line can be timeless? What else do you see in Renoir’s women that you would like to discuss? Please add your comments.
Bluesuits Vivien Jacket and Sunburst pleated skirt
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