This book is a bit over 14 inches tall, larger than any other book on Gruau. The majority of the illustrations are reproduced full-page, with a plate list at the end of the book with full identifcation of the drawings, who they were made for, approximate date, provenance, etc.

Art direction by fashion curator Joelle Chariau. One of the best references for the work of fashion designer and illustrator Rene Gruau (1909-2004).

The text is in French and German. The 4-page English translation pamphlet--of the Introduction by Ulf Poschardt--is laid in and in Mint condition.

From the dustjacket:

The contours of a perfectly shaped woman's face with blindfolded eyes, a red, slightly pouting mouth, a particularly pretty nose, an elegantly sweeping line suggesting the neck and an absolutely charming turn of the head -- René was a master at conveying the tempting promise of a new lipstick or the sensual experience of a Dior perfume by means of just a couple of strokes and two colors, portraying them as simply irresistible.

René was born Renato Conte Zavagli-Ricciardelli delle Caminate in Rimini in 1909; he grew up in the mondaine, cosmopolitan world of Venetian society, and really wanted to become an architect. At the age of 14 he found his true vocation, which was to make him world-famous: fashion graphic art. In 1928 he went to Paris, joined the staff of the most important fashion magazines, and eventually met Christian Dior, who became his friend and principal client. The New Look of the 50s and the revival of Parisian haute couture are just as inconceivable without Dior as without Gruau, whose incomparable style -- that special blend of comic, Pop Art avant la lettre, and classical drawing -- shaped the fashion and commercial graphic art of his age like no other.

Our large monograph, edited by Joelle Chariau and with an introduction by Ulf Poschardt, editor-in-chief of the Siiddeutsche Zeituug supplement, is a tribute to the unrivaled master of fashion illustration, who is celebrating his 90th birthday in 1999.