Dior Illustrated

René Gruau was one of the most famous illustrators, who worked for the House of Dior, as well as Vogue, Harper’s Bazar, Le Figaro. His sketches for Dior’s celebrated perfumes and cosmetics made Monsieur Gruau a distinguishable figure. When Christian Dior launched the New Look in February 1947 it was to his friend René that he turned to illustrate his Haute Couture Designs. In December of that same year Dior launched his first perfume, Miss Dior, and asked Gruau to produce a series of illustrations. Even after Dior’s death in 1957, Gruau continued to use the flower theme in homage to one of his great friend’s deepest and most enduring influences. Now, Somerset House is paying homage to one of the most influential illustrators, who challenged by the rise of photography in the 50s approached sketches in a new way, to produce modern compositions that perfectly capture the spirit of the age.