The Collector

Collectors of Jane’s Vanity’s sumptuous prints have something to celebrate: garments imprinted with colorful abstract peacock tails from Christine Vancouver. Inspired by the willowy designs of artist Erté, this new collection happily coincides with designer Christine Morton’s 50th year in business. The Erté pieces are as jazzy and fresh as the work of its namesake, whose genius defined an era (or two) in the 20th century.

Russian emigré Erté arrived in Paris at the end of the 19th century, just as Europe was falling under the spell of Eastern art. One may see it in the posters of Toulouse-Lautrec, art movements such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau, and certainly in early 20th century gowns by Paul Poiret. In the center of the mix was Ertè. His exotic illustrations, costumes, and stage sets were all the rage in the 1920s. They were “rediscovered” in the kaleidoscopic 1960s. His sense of color and joy are timeless.

Christine Vancouver’s Ertè print is an exciting way to welcome fall, with a design that sparkles on silk and gets moody on devoré velvet. So collectible, and mixable, in all of its lovely variations. Erté might have dressed a madcap movie heroine in the luscious Silk Pajamas that emphasize his color mix of blues against pink, red, and gold. The complementary Silk Velvet Robe with its “burn-out” effect gives the print a completely different look and feel. Pair it with the deceptively simple teal-colored Silk Gown and its cheeky inserts of black lace in peacock-feathered shapes.

Catch the print spirit. Join JV in applauding the work of Christine Vancouver. And that of Erté, whose vision continues to thrill.