Chic Parisien 1930s Fashion Prints

I visited Devonport in Auckland New Zealand recently where I used to live as a child. Devonport is a quiet seaside town across the harbour from Auckland city. I wandered into an antique and early print store in called Newton Andrews, that is closing down and found some fantastic treasures. It is in the main street called Victoria Road.

I couldn't resist buying a set of 11 prints from pages of Chic Parisen fashion catalogues from the 1930.    I hope to make up some of the patterns one day. I just love the hats don't you? The dresses and coats are so elegant, beautifully drawn and hand coloured before being printed. The artist has captured the fall of the fabric, the shading is done with charcoal pencil. The painting of the fir trim is so realistic.

There are small pencil sketches of the back of the garments that show the design details. Even the ladies' makeup is detailed with coloured eye shadow, the eyelashes, the line of the brow, the acessories - gloves, shoes and handbags. Sigh.

I have just unpacked them and taken photos of them just as they are for you us enjoy.