Journal des Dames et des Modes, No. 72 (20 May 1914)

72nd issue of the "Journal des dames et des modes", published on May 20, 1914. This issue forms part of the second half of a collection of 36 volumes of the Journal des dames et des modes (June 1, 1913 - May 20, 1914, numbers 37-72), and contains 2 unnumbered leaves of advertisements, 8 pages of text (numbered (121)-128), and four plates (numbered 164-167), illustrated by George Barbier, Gerda Wegner, Armand Vallee, and Gaudray d'Aniou. This issue contains a commentary against recent publications that claim that French elegance is endangered, since they favor trends imposed by certain couturiers, while rejecting the idea of difference and creativity. The fashion section of this issue reveals a trend for capes of different forms, small headdresses, long gloves to be worn with sleeveless gowns, and an increase in trimmings, which now also make part of flounces in dresses, blouses and jackets.

The "Journal des dames et des modes" was published in Paris by Vaugirard between June 1, 1912 and August 1, 1914. Inspired on an earlier journal of the same title (also known as "La Mésangère", which disappeared in 1839), the "Journal des dames et des modes" appealed to "the curious", lovers of rare editions, who valued fashion journals featuring limited editions with carefully executed fashion illustrations that could be equated to works of art. Each issue of the journal was made up of several texts, including poems, commentaries, and narrations of life in Paris, and hand-colored engravings or pochoir prints, executed in vivid colors and drawn by the leading artists of the day, including George Barbier, Antoine Vallée, Léon Bakst, and Umberto Brunelleschi. The combination of writings and illustrations was meant to be a reflection of the cultural atmosphere in Paris at the time, showcasing the best of intellectual, artistic and fashion creations.