Erte

(1892 - 1990)

Romain de Tirtoff was Russian born but named himself after the French pronunciation of his initials - Erte. This name soon became one of the most highly respected in the French fashion and theatre industries during the 20th Century.

He worked with the fashion publication Harper's Bazaar in Paris, creating fashion drawings and cover designs. It was here that his artistic career flourished and the gloriously extravagant costumes he created for shows at the Folies-Bergere coupled with his inventive and colourful designs became hugely popular. His lithographs are particularly fine examples of his flair for creating stylish, elegant and luxurious illustrations.