An Icon of Fashion Illustration

Written by: Alice Braglia

In the world of fashion, there is one guy and one guy only who we can thank for revolutionizing the idea of what fashion illustrations mean: Renè Gruau. He became one of the best known and favorite artists of the haute couture world during the 1940s and 50s working with Femina, Marie Claire, L'Officiel, L'Album Du Figaro and many other high style magazines. Gruau’s artwork is recognized and displayed internationally in some of Paris and Italy's most prestigious art museums including the Louvre: "Gruau's artwork is known for its timeless and enduring style". Renè Gruau was quite a free spirit as he decided to break away from his father’s path, who was a royal military commander, and then moved with his mother to Paris supporting themselves selling his art, although it was very difficult to work during the World War II and had to settle for small designers such as Christian Dior. He was so talented he got published at the age of 14 the first time, and at 18 he was featured in international magazines. Gruau gave life to haute couture clothing and expanded their popularity with his captivating illustrations, reinventing many of the designs and giving them the spark that the fashion industry used to lack, in this way his pictures became the fashion advertisements of the time. He also contributed to create the ‘New Look’ with Christian Dior, being the artistic director of the advertisement. Fashion Illustration is a huge part of the marketing approach the fashion industry takes in the promotion of its product and without illustrators like him the fashion industry would be far less successful. Not only do fashion illustrations show a representation or design of a garment, they are a form of art that is said "visual luxury". In my opinion Renè Gruau is one of the most elegant and stylish illustrators of all time, from whom many artists still take inspiration. His gesture is so recognizable and unique that It’s quite impossible to reproduce, and that’s what makes him an icon among fashion illustrators.