Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Sinful Savoir Faire!

I just recently came across this wonderful series of illustrations from a French Fashion magazine during the World War II. They are by Remy Hetreau whom I must admit do not know much about, however here I have the incentive to find out more.

Hetreau has illustrated the seven deadly sins by personifying them as women dressed by the leading couturiers of the day. What is interesting is that he has also drawn a character in the same drawing to illustrate the seven Catholic virtues opposite the particular sin involved.

What a novel way approach to illustrating the current fashions of the day with a bit of humour also involved. The illustrations are very French and Almost Cocteau like in their appearance. You have to look closely at the detail of each drawing for the humour involved.

As they were done during World War II I am sure that there are some hidden references to the repressed atmosphere felt in France during the German occupation.

Greed and Generosity dressed by Paquin
Anger and Patience dressed by Fath

Gluttony and Temperance dressed by Mad Carpentier

Envy and Altruism dressed by Marcel Rochas

Sloth and Activity dressed by Madelaine Vramant

Pride and Modesty dressed by Lelong

Lust and Chastity dressed by Gres


9 comments:

  1. uh wow, I think Lady Activité looks very chic!
    I just loved this post thank you very much for sharing these wonderful illustrations, they're just amazing!
    Have a great day! :)

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  2. these are fantastique! what a find. May I archive them for future reference? pgt

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  3. These are fabulous. Yes, they are very cocteau-ish.
    I am always amazed at the creativity that came out of Paris when the city was occupied during WWII.

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  4. What a fabulous find. You share the most wonderful discoveries, David!

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  5. Gayle, yes no problems in archiving for future reference.

    Belle, yes they were incredibly creative and inventive in all areas.

    Will and Spoiled. many thanks

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  6. I stole gluttony and put it on my sidebar with a link to your post. Fabulous!!

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  7. Jill, I am so glad that you liked it Gluttony especially!

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  8. These are just wonderful thank you for sharing.
    Elizabeth Galindo Roberts PhD

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