FASHIONS OF THE AGES, SPLENDIDLY ILLUSTRATED IN POCHOIR BY GEORGE BARBIER

BARBIER, George. Falbalas & Fanfreluches. Almanach des Modes Présentes, Passées & Futures. Paris: Chez Meynial, 1924. Slim quarto, original illustrated paper wrappers, signatures and plates laid in loose as issued; original glassine. Housed in a custom clamshell box. $3500.

First edition of this lovely almanac, one of only 600 copies, with vignette title page and 12 plates brightly hand-colored in pochoir watercolor by Barbier, in original illustrated wrappers and glassine.

This lovely fashion almanac was produced by George Barbier from 1922 through 1926 as a more lavish version of his Guirlande des Mois series of 1917-1921. Barbier, an Art Deco legend, began his career as a costume and set designer for the Ballet Russes and later created décors and costumes for music-halls, movies and the Folies Bergère. Renowned for his fashion illustrations for the leading magazines of the time, including the Gazette du Bon Ton and Vogue, his artistic style is recognized by a characteristically elegant, stylized line with some classical Greek influence. In Falbalas & Fanfreluches, Barbier depicted fashions of the past, present, and future, from the Gallo-Roman Era through the 20th century, usually with pairs of lovers. In addition to the 12 beautiful plates vividly hand-colored in pochoir within the volume, Barbier also designed the color cover illustration, the color vignette title page, and one in-text headpiece. Text in French.

Three small chips to glassine. A fine copy. Scarce.