Barbier,George

George Barbier was one of the greatest French illustrators of the early 20th century, best known for his illustrations about high fashion. 
He designed theatre and ballet costumes, illustrated books and haute couture fashion. Barbier led a group from the Ecole des Beaux Arts who were nicknamed by Vogue "The Knights of the Bracelet" due to their flamboyant mannerisms and dress. During his career Barbier also turned his hand to jewellery, glass and wallpaper design, wrote essays and many articles for the prestigious Gazette du bon ton.

Barbier was intrigued by 18th century art and Art Nouveau. These strong influences seen in the flowing shapes of his stylish women, inspired by natural forms in flowers and plants. Barbier was a strong influence on art deco style which became popular in the late 1920s and is characterized by rich colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation.