René Gruau
René Gruau has been one of the most significant and recognizable illustrators of the XXth century, capable through his elegant and incisive lines to mark an era, becoming part of the collective memory. From the archive of Fede Cheti, Amini has selected five iconic illustrations by the Italian-French artist, creating two hand-knotted carpets in a precious mix of wool and silk.
Design Icons collection is the fruit of the collaboration between Amini and the archives of the most significant creative figures of the XXth century. This project is now enriched with the art of René Gruau, developed in tandem with, and on behalf of Fede Cheti, the Milanese entrepreneur and designer particularly renowned from the ‘30s to the ‘70s. A careful process of selection and technical development led to the definition of rugs, hand-knotted in a precious blend of wool and silk. Brought together by their vibrant colors and Gruau’s characteristic strokes, the carpets are diversified by the nature of the subjects: Danza, abstract; Man, Woman, Cap and Valparaise, figurative. The latter, in two color variants, represents a modern floral interpretation clearly inspired by the Japanese culture. Art and fashion, together with la vie Parisienne and the artistry of the Far East, lay beneath the creativity of René Gruau who, together with Fede Cheti, was able to develop a very unique and unmistakable language.
From the archives of Fede Cheti Ferid Amini chooses five iconic illustrations of René Gruau, considered as a link between art, fashion, and illustration. Carpets with a strong symbolic lure, hand-knotted in a prestigious blend of wool and silk.
About René Gruau
René Gruau (Rimini 1909 – Rome 2004) was one of the most recognizable illustrators of this last century. His elective affinity with the fashion industry is expressed through his collaborations with the most celebrated fashion and couture magazines of the time, from Lidel, Femina and L’Officiel and passing through Vogue and Marie Claire, which intensified in the post-war period as a result of his collaborations with numerous designers. His work with Christian Dior gave rise to one of the most revolutionary artistic associations of the century, from which the New Look emerged, a modern reworking of late nineteenth-century fashion. Together with Toulouse-Lautrec, Marcello Dudovich and Jules Cheret, he was one of the most sought-after illustrators of the Parisian music halls, from the Moulin Rouge to the Lido. An incisive and multi-faceted creativity that indelibly marked European culture through its timeless style, featuring expressive intuitions and animated features. His work is displayed in many of the most important museums in Paris and throughout the world.
