His sketches using brush, pen and ink were used to advertise fashion house's collections, perfumes and accessories. He used techniques from Japonism and Kabuki theatre to emphasise the makeup, masks and styling in his artwork making him the creative director, camera man and makeup artist of his time!!!
A close and personal friend to Christian Dior made Rene's work for the House of Dior his most remembered.
Dior's current designer John Galliano, describes of Rene "for me a Gruau sketch captures the energy, the sophistication and daring of Dior"
Miss Dior the first branded au de toilette from Dior was launched in 1949 with a swan illustration from Gruau sporting a black bow and pearl necklace.
His art and advertising images went on to put Dior on the fashion the pages of Vogue in the days before photography took over from Fashion Illustration.
Dior Illustrated: René Gruau's Line of Beauty' is at Somerset House from 10 November 2010 to 9 January 2011
