President's Day: RBW fashion illustration, late 1930's

This RBW (Count Rene Bouet-Willaumez) illustration from the late 1930's or 1940's has a patriotic flair. As an illustrator, he employed color washed emphasized with brush strokes to show the figure and fabric.

The suit and dress shown are detailed with patch pockets that sport fold over top flaps with buttons. The suit coat has a fun back pocket that plays up the back interest seen in fashion during the late 1930's. The shoulders are broad, with sharp emphasis at the sleeve top. This was probably before the US went to war, since there seems to be excess fabric folds and a longer skirt length, and those would be restricted during the war years.

Of special interest are the hats worn on the top or back of the head, they provide a fun and amusing detail to the overall outfit.

Fashion Illustration by RBW, late 1930's or 1940's

"RBW" is the signature for Count Rene Bouet-Wilaumez whose illustrations during the 1930's through 1950's were a signature look for "Vogue" magazine. He would become popular both in advertising and editorials commissioned to support written magazine articles.

RBW used pen and ink to create the look he was known for. Often brush strokes are seen along with both color and ink washes. Like most illustrators, he used live models wearing the gowns as he worked. Hence, his textile work is gorgeous, such as the drapery seen in the illustration shown here.