Beautiful Fashion Illustrations by René Gruau in the 1940s

Count Renato Zavagli Ricciardelli delle Caminate, professionally known as René Gruau (1909–2004) was a fashion illustrator whose exaggerated portrayal of fashion design through painting has had a lasting effect on the fashion industry.

Fashion illustrations by René Gruau in the 1940s

Because of Gruau’s inherent skills and creativity, he contributed to a change in the entire fashion industry through the new pictures that represented the already popular designs created by designers in the industry. The benefits, including economic stimulation and enhancement of advertising are still present in the industry today via a new way of fashion illustration, fashion photography.

Gruau 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 an assortment of “high-style” magazines. His artwork is recognized and commended internationally in some of Paris and Italy’s most prestigious art museums including the Louvre in Paris and the Blank in Italy.

In addition to his international fame and recognition, “Gruau’s artwork is known for its timeless and enduring style”. Here below is a set of beautiful photos that shows fashion designs illustrated by René Gruau in the 1940s.

Cocktail suit and hat by Balenciaga, illustration by René Gruau, 1945

Christian Dior design for Lucien Lelong, illustrated by René Gruau, 1946

Costumes designed for the Ballet de Chota de Monte Carlo by Couturier Alex, illustrated by René Gruau, 1946

Day dresses designed by Balenciaga and Jacques Fath, illustrated by René Gruau, Femina, December 1946

Fur coat by Max A. Leroy, illustrated by René Gruau, Autumn/Winter 1946-47

Jacques Fath and Marcelle Dormoy designs illustrated by René Gruau, 1946

Striped moiré dress draped and gathered at the hip, by Lucien Lelong, illustrated by René Gruau, 1946

Two wool coats, red by Jacques Costet and gray by Gaston, illustrated by René Gruau, 1946

Two wool overcoats, brown with pleated sleeves by Marcelle Alix, pale blue by Mad Carpentier, illustrated by René Gruau, 1946

Dance dress of tobacco and white pleated organza by Christian Dior, illustrated by René Gruau, 1947

Dress by Jacques Fath, illustrated by René Gruau, L'Officiel, Summer 1947

Evening ensemble of lace-trimmed black velvet top with silk Scottish plaid skirt over lace petticoat, by Marcel Rochas, illustrated by René Gruau, 1947

Fluid draped dresses by Jean Dessès, illustrated by René Gruau, L'Officiel, Summer 1947

Gown by Jeanne Lanvin, illustrated by René Gruau, Femina, April 1947

Paquin chooses velvet for this voluminous evening coat worn over layered tulle gown, illustrated by René Gruau, 1947

Red chiffon tunic-gown with black circles worn over black tulle skirt by Mad Carpentier, illustrated by René Gruau, 1947

Silhouette cover by René Gruau, September 1947

Sky-blue moiré skirt topped by black hooded sweater by Pierre Balmain, illustrated by René Gruau, 1947

Christian Dior drapes a straw colored satin top over a black velvet dress with deep neckline, illustrated by René Gruau, 1948

Coats designed by Balenciaga (l) and Jacques Fath, illustrated by René Gruau, January 1948

Coats designed by Christian Dior (l) and Jacques Fath, illustrated by René Gruau, Silhouette, Fall 1948

Design by Jacques Fath illustrated by René Gruau, 1948

For the beach, fluid jersey by Grès, illustrated by René Gruau, 1948

Gown by Madame Grès, illustrated by René Gruau for L'Officiel, 1948

Gowns by Christian Dior and Jacques Fath, illustrated by René Gruau, Champs Elysées, April 1948

Two evening gowns, left by Lucien Lelong and right, by Marcel Rochas, illustrated by René Gruau, 1948

A long-waisted brisk silk taffeta dress bound at the hips with a wide band, tying into a wide bow, breaking into a wide skirt, by Traina -Norell, illustrated by René Gruau, Vogue, August 15, 1949

Cover for International Textiles by René Gruau, 1949

Evening gown of yellow tulle and black velvet top with deep v-back by Robert Piguet, illustrated by René Gruau, 1949

Gowns by Jean Dessès and Jacques Fath, illustrated by René Gruau, L'Officiel, April 1949

Navy blue organza cocktail dress features sheer fly-away panels over slim skirt, by Christian Dior, illustrated by René Gruau, 1949

Summer wear by Mad Carpentier (l) and Pierre Balmain, illustrated by René Gruau, Silhoutte, 1949

Untitled, 1949 design for Christian Dior by René Gruau

Valentina (Mrs. George M. Schlee) in her late-day design of pale wool dress with belt of brilliants under a magnificent velvet coat lined in crimson crêpe, portrait by René Gruau, Vogue, October 15, 1949

White trousers worn with navy and white striped knit sweater under white and navy canvas coat, by Christian Dior, illustrated by René Gruau, 1949