1986 Harrods Spring/Summer Magazine – René Gruau Illustrated Cover

This is an original Spring/Summer 1986 edition of Harrods Magazine, the store's seasonal fashion publication, with a cover illustration attributed to René Gruau.

Gruau's association with Christian Dior began in the early years of the house, and he created advertising for Dior fashion and fragrances, including Miss Dior, over several decades. He also worked for fashion magazines and for other couture and luxury houses.

By the 1980s photography had largely replaced illustration in fashion advertising, but department stores and luxury houses continued to commission illustrated covers and posters. Harrods, founded in 1849, used its seasonal publications to present the fashion offer of the store.

The cover sets a seasonal store publication within the tradition of couture illustration. Brushwork, silhouette and contrast carry the image, in the manner for which Gruau is known.

Gruau's work is collected in original drawings, posters and printed material. Publications such as this one are a further record of the commissions attributed to him and of 1980s luxury retail.