YSL-Refined Sportive (designs by Yves Saint Laurent) by Kenneth Paul Block, American 1925-2009
Figure * Fabric * Fantasy is another of the extraordinary shows that I saw recently in Boston at the Museum of Fine Arts. It featured drawings of ready-to-wear that appeared in fashion magazines. Photography gradually pushed out the sketches. But check out the skill of the artists who depicted the drape and texture of the fabric. They are certainly works of art.
Geometric Patterns mid-1970″s (design by Hurbert de Givenchy) by Kenneth Paul Block
The sketches in the show dated from the 1940’s – 1980’s and were intended for print publications.
Formal Ball Gown, late 1950’s by Jack Potter for Ayres Department Store, Indianapolis, IN
Bathing Beauties, autumn 1965 by Larry Salk, American 1936-2004
Joan Crawford in tailored sheath with matching coat, 1955, for Paramount Studios, by Grace Sprague; and Model in red plaid by Teed, 1946
The wonderful thing about fashion art is that it does more than illustrate the garments…it also show the social life of the time.
You’ve gotta love these!
The Studio 
These are great photos, Kelly. Clothes play such an important role for historians! The first time I saw the amazing exhibit of Morrison photos at the Shenandoah Valley Museum (now at the Shentel building in Edinburg, I believe), I was struck by the changes in women’s fashions (and also struck by how little men’s fashions had changed). These photos spanned from late 1890s to the 1950s.