Elegance and warmth: illustrations from the French magazine Chic Parisien in the mid-1930s

The mid-1930s was a time when fashion boldly balanced between practicality and elegance. The French magazine Chic Parisien, which was popular among high society ladies, set the tone in matters of women's style. One of the interesting episodes of the publication were the illustrations dedicated to the winter wardrobe.

The illustrations in Chic Parisien were real works of art, made in the best traditions of Art Deco. They stood out with their refined lines, graceful silhouettes and attention to detail.

The heroines of these fashion sketches were slender ladies in long coats, elegant hats and fur accessories. The artists emphasized the luxury of fabrics - the softness of cashmere, the shine of silk and the depth of velvet. The palette was dominated by neutral and noble shades: dark blue, emerald, burgundy and classic black. 

The central place in the winter wardrobe was occupied by the coat. It was often decorated with fur collars or cuffs, which added sophistication to the image. Illustrations showed both short models for daytime walks and long, elegant coats for evening outings.

An important accessory remained the hat. Even in winter, women did not refuse this element, choosing models made of warm felt, complemented by decorative ribbons or a veil. Scarves made of cashmere or silk were used as a decorative accent, often matching the color of the coat.

The fashion for dresses and suits remained even in winter. Chic Parisien offered models made of wool and knitwear, which emphasized the waist and slim figure, while remaining comfortable.

Long leather gloves protected hands from the cold and completed the elegant image. For footwear, preference was given to elegant boots with low heels, made of suede or smooth leather. 

But for particularly cold days, the magazine offered fur capes and muffs that not only kept you warm, but also served as a symbol of status and good taste.

These illustrations reflected the fashion of their time. They reminded us that the secret to success lay in the thoughtfulness of each element and love for details that never went out of fashion.