René Gruau

1909 — 2004

Dior, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Lanvin - René Gruau made his mark on the fashion world with his spectacular haute couture illustrations for the world's biggest fashion houses. Over the course of his career, the fashion illustrator worked for almost all the major fashion magazines – including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, L'Officiel and Elle. He is known for his bold illustrations inspired by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Japanese prints, among others.

A legend among fashion illustrators, he captured the glamour of haute couture with energetic brushstrokes and refined outlines. René Gruau is best known for his work in the fashion industry, but he also designed costumes, sets, and advertisements for theater and ballet, and created an iconic poster for the film "La Dolce Vita". His work is now in the permanent collections of the Louvre and other major institutions.