Rene Gruau, 95; Artist, Illustrator for Fashion Houses, Magazines

Rene Gruau, 95, an artist who worked for decades as an illustrator for Italian fashion houses and magazines, died March 31 at his house in Rome, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Gruau worked with such fashion houses as Christian Dior, Givenchy and Balenciaga. His drawings appeared in top magazines including Elle, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

His illustrations captured the glamour and style of the fashion world in the 1940s and ‘50s.

His fluid lines and aggressive colors -- primarily red and black -- became symbols of elegance and refinement.

“It’s the history of 20th century fashion that dies,” Italian designer Laura Biagiotti, a longtime friend of Gruau’s, said after hearing of his death.

Born in the Italian seaside town of Rimini to an Italian aristocrat and a Frenchwoman, Gruau also lived in Paris and New York City.

A portrait artist as well as an illustrator, he painted such notable subjects as Claudette Colbert, Mitzi Gaynor and the Duchess of Windsor.