Erté was a vastly prolific artist whose iconic work deeply influenced fashion, as well as an entire artistic movement. Born Romain de Tirtoff, Erté (1892 – 1990) was known by the French pronunciation of his initials. For 22 years, he contributed highly stylized fashion illustrations and 250 covers to Harper’s Bazaar, igniting the Art Deco movement. Erté also designed extravagant costumes for music halls, operas, stage productions and Hollywood movies. In his 70s, he re-created his legendary designs in bronze and serigraphy. Erté’s innovative ideas still influence today’s fashions, and his works are displayed at revered museums such as New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institution.

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