Dartey

Parisian Elegance in Blue — Three Original Dartey Fashion & Costume Drawings, Ink & Watercolor, c. 1920

A captivating collection of three original French fashion and costume drawings by Dartey, the professional name of Annette Österlind-Sarradin (1882–1954). Each signed work combines expressive black pen-and-ink drawing with vivid blue watercolor, creating a beautifully coordinated ensemble of elegant figures, imaginative millinery, and intricate dress details.

Rich cobalt accents and delicate pale-blue washes bring these designs to life against softly aged paper. Sweeping skirts, sculptural collars, decorative buttons, ribbons, ruffles, and elaborate hats reveal the artist’s delight in both the silhouette and the smallest finishing touches. Their tall, slender formats—approximately one foot high—give the figures a graceful presence and make the three works particularly appealing for display together.

# 13112-1 — The Ruffled Ensemble
A poised figure wears an intricately layered outfit with a spotted, overlapping bodice, brilliant blue lapels, fluttering ruffles, and a scalloped band of gathered blue trimming across the skirt. Small black bows accent the wrists. Her dramatically tilted black hat features a vivid blue accent and a cluster of rounded floral ornaments, completing an exceptionally decorative composition.

Dimensions: W 6.1 × H 12.2 inches

# 13112-2 — The Embroidered Ensemble
A richly ornamented waist treatment anchors a flowing, layered silhouette. Pale-blue watercolor defines the drapery, while deeper blue accents highlight the cuffs, shoulder, and decorative borders. A high, flaring collar, tassel details, and a black hat adorned with rose-like ornaments lend the figure a refined, theatrical elegance.
Dimensions: W 6.1 × H 12.2 inches

# 13112-3 — The Ribbon-Trimmed Ensemble

An inventive white ensemble is gathered and articulated with blue ribbon bands and decorative fastenings. Pointed, asymmetric layers fall over a deep-blue underskirt, balancing the striking angular shape of the blue-and-white hat. The high collar, softly full sleeves, and coordinated shoes complete a remarkably stylish design.
Size: W 6.2 × H 11.7 inches

The Artist and Historical Interest

Dartey brought her drawing skills to the interconnected worlds of Parisian fashion and performance. She produced fashion illustrations for Paul Poiret and publications including Les Élégances parisiennes and Le Miroir des modes. Her subsequent career included theatrical costume designs for Gaston Baty and work in French cinema.

Each drawing retains handwritten fabric and construction notes on the reverse, offering a fascinating glimpse into the practical thinking behind the elegant image. 

Together, these signed originals offer both decorative beauty and documentary interest, with particular appeal to collectors of French illustration, fashion history, costume design, and women artists.