Elegant Fashion Illustrations by Fernando Bosc From the 1940s and ’50s

Fernando Bosc was a French fashion illustrator active during the 1940s and early 1950s, best known for his elegant promotional art featured in couture magazines and advertising. He produced illustrations for major French fashion houses such as Lucien Lelong, Christian Dior, Jacques Heim, Balenciaga, Paquin, Marcelle Chaumont, and others.

Bosc’s illustrations are characterized by refined line work, timeless compositions, and a subtle yet sophisticated palette, capturing the glamour of haute couture. His imagery celebrated evening gowns, hats, and accessories in fashion campaigns—rendered with precision and an artistic flourish typical of mid‑century French elegance.

Bosc’s work often appeared in publications like L’Art et la Mode and Plaisir de France, including a notable 1945 illustration for Elizabeth Arden perfume and a vibrant 1947 cover for the fashion magazine L’Art et la Mode. These vintage works by Fernando Bosc offer a glimpse into the elegance of mid-century fashion illustration.

Elizabeth Arden advertisement illustrated by Fernando Bosc, 1945

Bianchini's imported Lorganza dress by Pauline Trigère, illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Vogue, October 1, 1947

Elizabeth Arden advertisement by Fernando Bosc, 1947

Black draped gown by Jean Dessès, pink tulle embroidered with pearls and strasse by Pierre Balmain, illustrated by Fernando Bosc, 1948

Design is in fine navy and white wool with white embroidered polka-dots by Martial and Armand, illustrated by Fernando Bosc, 1948

Elizabeth Arden advertisement illustrated by Fernando Bosc, 1948

Elizabeth Arden perfume advertisement illustrated by Fernando Bosc, 1948

Gray wool suit by Robert Piguet (l) and black wool dress by Jean Dessès (r), illustrated by Fernando Bosc, 1948

Marcelle Chaumont's design for evening consists of short black fitted jacket over draped plaid taffeta long skirt, illustrated by Fernando Bosc, 1948

Satin evening gown by Christian Dior illustrated by Fernando Bosc, 1948

Perrin gloves advertisement illustrated by Fernando Bosc, 1949

Ben Zuckerman suit illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Vogue March 1, 1951

Dress by Ben Zuckerman, illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Vogue, February 1, 1951

Suit by Ben Zuckerman illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Harper's Bazaar, January 1951

Suit by Ben Zuckerman, illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Harper's Bazaar, August 1951

Coat designed by Harry Schacter for Ben Zuckrman, illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Vogue, September 1, 1952

Coat-dress designed by Harry Shacter for Ben Zuckerman, illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Vogue, February 1, 1952

Suit by Ben Zuckerman illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Vogue, August 1, 1952

Suit by Ben Zuckerman, illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Harper's Bazaar U.S., February 1952

Suit by Ben Zuckerman, illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Vogue, January 1, 1952

Dress and jacket by Ben Zuckerman, illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Vogue, September 1, 1953

Silk and wool suit by Ben Zuckerman, illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Harper's Bazaar, September 1953

Suit by Ben Zuckerman illustrated by Fernando Bosc, Vogue, February 1, 1953