In the 1920s, Mistinguett, at the height of her fame, symbolizes Parisian glamour in a rare fashion sketch.
- Fashion drawing by an unidentified French designer, depicting a dress for the artist Mistinguett.
- A leaf.
- 16 cm x 22.5 cm.
- In French.
- Excellent state of preservation.
- One-of-a-kind.
This drawing presents an elegant fashion sketch from the 1920s, made on thin paper yellowed by time. The female figure is depicted in profile, wearing a straight dress with simple and sophisticated lines, adorned with a belt at the waist and discreet embroidery at the hem. On her head, she wears a light blue cloche hat, typical of the period, and carries a closed umbrella, completing the image of distinction. The strokes are delicate, using colored pencils and graphite, conveying the lightness and elegance of Parisian fashion. In the upper left corner, the inscription "Melle Mistinguett" can be read, and in the lower right corner there is a barely legible signature.
In the 1920s, Mistinguett was one of the biggest stars of French music hall and an absolute icon of the "années folles" (the Roaring Twenties). An artist at the Casino de Paris and the Folies Bergère, she captivated audiences with her charisma, her voice, and her extravagant stage presence. Recognized as the highest-paid actress in the world at the time, she was a symbol of modernity, female emancipation, and Parisian glamour. Her style and clothing served as a reference not only for the stage but also for fashion, influencing generations.
It is unlikely that this sketch is by Charles Gesmar or Zig, the main costume designers for Mistinguett in the 1920s. Gesmar's style was exuberant, full of color, feathers, and glitter, while Zig also designed more decorative and expressive stage costumes. The drawing in question, however, shows a more sober figure, with a straight dress and an umbrella, resembling much more a fashion study or an elegant city costume than a stage costume. The mention of "Melle Mistinguett" may indicate inspiration or dedication, but the different signature and the absence of theatrical elements suggest that it is the work of another Parisian designer, anonymous or less well-known.
The piece is valuable for multiple reasons. Aesthetically, it preserves the elegance of 1920s fashion in a refined artistic style. Historically, it is directly linked to Mistinguett, a central figure in Parisian cultural life, giving the sketch a rare documentary character. Culturally, it represents the union between the world of haute couture and that of spectacle, two pillars of French identity at the time. In excellent condition and rich in detail, it is a valuable testament to the history of fashion and entertainment of the early 20th century.