Born 1905 in Prague, artist and fashion illustrator René Bouché studied at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich before moving to Paris. In 1938, he began working for
Vogue magazine.
During the Second World War, Bouché emigrated to the United States, settling in Manhattan, where he continued working for Vogue. He painted portraits of many prominent figures including W. H. Auden, Nancy Astor, Truman Capote, Jean Cocteau, Benny Goodman, Aldous Huxley, Edward Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Willem de Kooning, Sophia Loren, Igor Stravinsky and the Duchess of Windsor. His illustrations were noted for their accuracy and decisiveness.
Bouché remained active until his death in 1963, aged 57. Below is a collection of elegant fashion illustrations by René Bouché from the 1940s.
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| Revlon ad illustrated by Rene Bouchè, 1944 |
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| Mrs. Douglas Fairbanks (once Lady Ashley) in glen-plaid suit and a dress with matching jacket by Molyneux, illustrated by Bouché, American Vogue, June 1, 1943 |
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| Resort collection at Saks Fifth Avenue, illustrated by René R. Bouché, Vogue, January 1, 1945 |
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| Soft red duvetyn coat, cut-back closing of a Directoire Dandy coat, notched standing colar and 3/4 sleeves worn with sailor with big bow, both from Bergdorf Goodman, illustrated by René R. Bouché, Vogue, March 1, 1945 |
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| Sophie Gimbel with model wearing one of her designs, illustration by René Bouché, Harper’s Bazaar, November 1945 |
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