Vogue 8 July 1931 - Georges Lepape - Framed art Print

Georges Lepape (1887-1971), a well known fashion illustrator, was born on May 26, 1887, in Paris, France. He was known for his unique style of portraying motion and narrative in his illustrations. His models were often depicted exiting the frame or turning their backs to the audience. Lepape's trademark curvilinear style was shaped by Orientalism and the Ballets Russes, with his love for oriental prints reflecting in his use of colour blocks in his two-dimensional works.

From 1908 to 1910, Lepape attended the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. In 1909, he married Gabrielle Lauzanne and met couture designer Paul Poiret, marking the beginning of their creative partnership.

In 1911, Lepape illustrated Poiret's limited-edition album, "Les Choses de Paul Poiret." He began working with publisher Lucien Vogel between 1912 and 1925, contributing regularly to the Paris fashion magazine Gazette de Bon Ton. Lepape also collaborated with Harper's Bazaar, Femina, Les Feuillets d'Art, and Vogue as a freelance illustrator. His work with Vogue, which began when he was commissioned for the first cover of its UK edition in 1916 by publisher Conde Nast, continued until the mid-30s.

In addition to magazines, Lepape also illustrated for numerous notable fashion houses such as Worth, Lanvin, Paquin, Doucet, and Beer. His work expanded to include luxury goods producers, theatre programs like Ballets Russes, costume and set designs, catalogue illustrations, film posters, and a series of posters for Galeries Lafayette. Georges Lepape died at 84 on February 15, 1971.