'Chic Parisien' fashion plates

Set of fashion plates from 'Chic Parisien' magazine. The plates illustrate spring, summer, autumn and winter fashions for women, focussing on coats, dresses, skirts and blouses. The models are shown in a variety of scenarios such as at the races, promenading in the park or by the sea, and at evening functions or balls. Some plates include descriptions of the clothing and reports on the latest trends, in French or English. There are a small number of illustrations of fashion for teenagers and younger girls. While none of the plates are dated, one report mentions the craze for the 'Turkey Trot' dance, which was invented in 1909 and died out by 1914, dating the fashions to these years.

Atelier Bachwitz was a fashion publishing company founded by Arnold Bachwitz (1854-1930). The company published over 50 fashion magazines, of which 'Chic Parisien' was the most popular, influencing global trends. The company was based in Vienna. Their headquarters on Lőwengasse were designed by Anton and Josef Drexler in 1908 and are now the premises of the Palais des Beaux Arts. The magazine was printed by Josef Eberle. After Arnold's death his widow Rosine continued the business until it was seized by the Nazi Party. She and her daughter were both killed in Theresienstadt concentration camp.

Arranged into 3 sections, 77 colour pages (hand coloured); 11 black and white: 5 single pages and 6 double spread with commentary; 37 colour pages double spread.

Available for general access. External researchers are advised to make an appointment with the archivist.

The plates were used in the Library as a teaching and learning resource for fashion studies, before being moved to the Archive for permanent preservation.

Catalogued by Frances Lund, Assistant Archivist, January 2014. Amendments by Katharine Short, Archivist, May 2016.

Photography is permitted by private researchers. However the copyright originates with the original magazine.

1930s fashion plates from 'Chic Parisien' can be found in the collection of Marjorie Steele held at DMU (accession reference A14/005).