Fashion illustration legends - George Lepape

Georges Lepape (1887-1971) was born in Paris where he studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. In 1911, Lepape designed and illustrated “Les Choses de Paul Poiret”, a brochure featuring designs by the fashion designer, Paul Poiret. Lepape’s work with Poiret caught the eye of publisher Lucien Vogel, who recruited Lepape when launching his magazine, La Gazette Du Bon Ton. The magazine served as not only a profile of the latest fashion, but also a revue of modern life, synonymous with luxury and glamour, as seen through the Parisian lens. In 1916, Condé Nast, the American publisher of Vogue, commisioned him to do his first cover. He also worked in the beauty and cosmetics industries and for the Ballets Russes in Paris.