Elegant Fashion Illustrations by Pierre Mourgue From the 1940s and ’50s

Pierre Mourgue (1890–1969) was a prominent French fashion illustrator renowned for his elegant and dynamic depictions of haute couture. His work graced the pages of major fashion publications, including Vogue, La Gazette du Bon Ton, and La Femme Chic, and he collaborated with esteemed fashion houses such as Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, and Balenciaga.

Mourgue’s illustrations are characterized by their graceful lines and expressive use of color, often employing ink and gouache to convey movement and sophistication. His early works exhibit strong Art Deco influences, while his later pieces from the 1940s and 1950s align with the American advertising illustration style of that era . His illustrations often get compared to Pierre Brissaud’s, for their use of exaggerated figures and their disposition for pretty girls.

Mourgue played a key role in shaping fashion illustration during its golden age. Featured below are some of Pierre Mourgue’s most exquisite fashion illustrations from the 1940s and 1950s.

Jeanne Paquin's midnight-blue silk chiffon and lace dress with pink chiffon showing through the bodice at Bonwit Teller, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, Harper's Bazaar, April 1940

Molyneux's shaded yellow chiffon dress, the chiffon is draped tightly over a ten-inch belt of stiff grosgrain which gives an Empire effect, at Henri Bendel, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, Harper's Bazaar, April 1940

Chocolate linen beach ensemble by Madeleine Vramant, large straw hat by Nelly Levasseur, striped shorts and halter top by Bruyère, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1946

Evening gown ensemble by L. Mendel, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue , December 1946

Hat of black felt, with pink jersey and egret feather (Madame Paulette); black felt beret with black plumes (Maud e Nano), illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1946

L'Officiel cover featuring gown by Grès, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, October 1946

Cover illustration by Pierre Mourgue, L'Officiel, Autumn, 1947

Hat on left is green taffeta adorned with white flowers by Blanche et Simone, violet turban on right is by Janette Columbier, illustration by Pierre Mourgue, 1947

Illustration for H.Moreau & Cie. (Textile company), advertisement by Pierre Mourgue, 1947

L'Officiel cover featuring garden party dress by L. Mendel illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, May 1947

Pink tulle over white linen by Madeleine Vramant and white embroidery Anglaise with wide purple satin sash by Maggy Rouff, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1947

Summerwear by Carven-A. Buche and Jean Patou, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1947

Two dinner/theatre suits, grey wool trimmed in fox by Paquin and dark blue wool suit tied at the waist with scarf by Pierre Balmain, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1947

Afternoon ensembles, left by Christian Dior and right by Jeanne Lanvin, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1948

Double capelet jacket by Christian Dior, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1948

Evening gowns illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1949

Green Baku straw hat with black grosgrain ribbon adorned with feather and voilette by Maud et Nano, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1949

Red wool cape is worn over a sinuous narrow black dress for a look that is perfectly elegant, by Robert Piguet, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1949

Evening gown designed by Jacques Griffe, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1950

Illustration by Pierre Mourgue for H. Moreau & Co. (Fabrics) advertisement, 1950

Jacques Fath design illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1950

Evening dresses designed by Germaine Lecomte (flowered print) and Nina Ricci illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1953

Beautiful blue and white floral silk print dress by Pierre Balmain, illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1954

Chanel's red velvet hostess gown as illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1955

Cristobal Balenciaga's fringed satin evening dress with voluminous wrap illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1955

Cristobal Balenciaga's ruffled lace evening dress as illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1955

Dress by Jacques Griffe illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, 1955

Silk organza printed evening gown by Lanvin-Castillo, jewelry by Mauboussin, cover illustrated by Pierre Mourgue, April 1958