Georges Barbier - an outstanding fashion illustrator

Surprisingly, There isn't much imformation on George Barbier as a person.
Born in Nantes, France, in 1882;
in 1907 George attends the Ecole des Beaux-Arts;
in 1911 he exhibites his works at the Salon des Humoristes for the first time.



A versatile artist, he produces all kinds of different work: costume designs for the cinema and theatre, book illustrations, fans, glass,jewellery, wallpaper, fabrics and fashion illustrations - the most refined and famous segment of his creativity.
He is certainly a leading figure of the Art Déco style. His exquisite, elegant illustrations captured the mood and atmosphere of the jazz era.
Like Iris March, the fictional heroine of "The Green Hat", the women of the 1920s modeled themselves on "the women in Georges Barbier's almanacs, "Falbalas et Fanfreluches", who know how to stand carelessly.." (Paris Fashion - A Cultural History By Valerie Steele)



Barbier illustrates "editions de luxe", limited editions of poetry and novels by C. Baudelaire, P.Verlaine and others. His first is an album of drawings of Nijinsky, a Russian dancer, 1913; in 1914 - a similar album of Karsavina.
In 1923 he also designs costumes for a number of the Folies Bergère shows.
For 20 years Barbier had been involved with the "The Knights of the Bracelet" or , a group of the young stylish men under thirty, notable for their fashionable and flamboyant mannerisms and style of dress.
According to Vogue's editor Edna Woolman Chase " A certain dandyism of dress and manner... makes them a "school". Their hat brims are a wee bit broader than the modish ones of the day and the hats are worn with a slight tilt, a very slight tilt but enought to give the impression of fastidiousness. Their coats are pinched in just a little at the waist, their ties are spotless and their boots immaculate. A bacelet slipping down over a wrist at an unexpected moment betrays a love of luxury". (Paris Fashion - A Cultural History By Valerie Steele)



He works on advertisements for famous trademarks - Elizabeth Arden, Renault and Cartier.
He designs the remarkable costumes for Rodolfo Valentino ("Monsieur Beaucaire", 1924).
He dies at the height of his success in 1932, at the age of 50. He has no heirs.
His entire collection, his invaluable library are put up for auction.
Sadly, after his death Barbier is quickly forgotten.






















More of the artist's work.