Bolero waistcoat in suede possibly painted by René Gruau -French Circa 1940-1950

René Gruau, an Italian-born artist who made his name in Paris and New York as an illustrator for fashion houses, women's magazines, nightclubs and ballet companies. René Gruau astounds us simply by the immensity of his work, his modernity, his simplicity and his utter elegance. He is a virtuoso performer of the greatest names in fashion, the most prestigious brands, the most colourful shows. but the artist has the elegance to stay behind his works. His talent and his highly personal style shine through... In the 1990's there were exhibitions of his work in Germany, Japan, Monaco and France. The largest retrospective was organized by the Advertising Museum in Paris in 1999. It was called, simply, ''Passionately Gruau.''