Rene Gruau and the Art of Dior
15 January 2025 at 11:00:00
Winston Churchill Hall, Ruislip
René Gruau 1953 © René Gruau
Throughout the history of Dior there is one fashion artist who above all others held carte blanche to illustrate, promote and define the essence of Christian Dior through a flowing, striking brushstroke that was to become a trademark of Dior’s elegant philosophy.
In this fascinating talk, discover the life and art of René Gruau (1909-2004) - or Count Renato Zavagli Ricciardelli delle Caminate, as he was named at birth - and learn why a young man from Rimini, Italy, and a Frenchman from Normandy were so interlinked throughout their lives, long before either found fame and fortune in their chosen careers.
With a background in fashion and broadcasting, our Speaker Connie Gray is the leading specialist in 20th century fashion illustration with a special interest in the history of French haute couture. Regularly invited to lecture both in the UK and the US, she sits on advisory boards at The Courtauld Institute of Art, London and Special Collections at FIT, New York.
As a curator, lecturer and archivist, she works closely with institutions and foundations on acquisitions, conservation and exhibition projects, including most recently - Pioneers of Fashion in partnership with The Lee Miller Archives, Crown to Couture at Kensington Palace, London, and 100 Years of Fashion Illustration at The Society of Illustrators, New York. Other specialist exhibitions have included Legends Only at Claridge’s Hotel, London, and Cunard’s Transatlantic Fashion Cruise on their flagship ship Queen Mary 2 to celebrate London and New York fashion weeks.
As the lead curator for the art gallery Gray M.C.A., she curates the critically acclaimed exhibitions Drawing on Style that celebrates the masters of fashion illustration. She hosts a series of 'Fashion Talks' for leading luxury clients in the UK and has presented a series of masterclasses, talks and short films on French haute couture between the wars, which has become required viewing and reading for students of fashion.
Connie Gray