The Search is Over!

Beauty Features, April 1930, illustrated by Pierre MourgueI searched high and low, online and offline, and finally I found a new calendar (by teNeues) that made me happy. I have had a Vogue illustrated covers calendar before, but these are all new pictures, and I could never be bored with elegant vintage fashion illustrations. Although last year’s Frankie calendar was certainly modern and quirky, the illustrations just didn’t possess the same evocative narrative as these. It is only a shame that the paper is a boring offset satin type – although it is environmentally-safe, chlorine-free, which can only be a good thing.

January brings us Beauty Features, from April 1930, with an illustration by Pierre Mourgue, a name I have been hitherto unfamiliar with. He was born in France before the turn of the century, and came to Vogue via the Gazette du Bon Ton after Condé Nast purchased it. The French illustrator travelled to New York and was soon imparting a French chic to the American magazine. The chief characteristic of his work was a close and affectionate observation of life, imbued with a spirit of fun.

His style is exemplified in this illustration: the flat planes of colours are fresh, with the typical elegant lines of Art Deco creating a simple background for the strong figure robed in black. She looks like she is wearing panne velvet, or perhaps black satin. I adore that draped headband, possibly made from black wool felt.

I’m looking forward to turning over the pages of this calendar, but I must say I hope this year doesn’t flash past quite as fast as last! Happy new year to you.