René Gruau: Illustrating Dior

An exhibition of drawings by the fashion illustrator who realised Christian Dior’s designs in pen and ink opens at London’s Somerset House tomorrow.

René Gruau’s bold lines and fluid style was said to have been perfectly in tune with the spirit of Dior. He produced original illustrations of Dior perfumes, magazine sketches and haute couture designs.

The exhibition sheds light on the close friendship between Dior and Gruau as well as the influence the latter had on a whole generation of fashion illustrators.

Click here or on the image to preview the exhibition

Dior Illustrated: René Gruau and the Line of Beauty is at Somerset House from 10 November until 9 January 2011, somersethouse.org.uk