l'erte pour l'erte: Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) Art Deco Illustration Style
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Inspired by the work of Romain de Tirtoff (23 November 1892 – 21 April 1990), known by the pseudonym Erté (from the French pronunciation of his initials: [ɛʁte]). He was a Russian-born French artist and designer. He worked in several fields, including fashion, jewelry, graphic arts, costume, set design for film, theater, and opera, and interior decor. To see his works, please go to
Known problem: the LoRA sometimes produce extra limbs. I guess some of his more abstract illustrations really confused the A.I. during training 😅. Try a different seed or lower the LoRA weight when this happens.
From ChatGPT:
Erté in front of his works at the Sonnabend Gallery, New York City, 1970
Romain de Tirtoff (23 November 1892 – 21 April 1990), known by the pseudonym Erté (from the French pronunciation of his initials: [ɛʁte]), was a Russian-born French artist and designer renowned for defining the visual elegance of the Art Deco era. His name, pronounced "air-TAY," is derived from the French pronunciation of his initials, R.T. Over his prolific 75-year career, he left an indelible mark on fashion illustration, costume and set design, graphic arts, and sculpture.
🎨 Style & Signature Aesthetic
Erté’s work is instantly recognizable for its:
Stylized, elongated figures with elegant poses
Luxurious costumes, often incorporating feathers, jewels, and intricate patterns
Ornamental detail, influenced by Egyptian, Byzantine, and Eastern motifs
Bold yet graceful linework, with rich colors and strong geometric compositions
Themes of femininity, fantasy, and theatricality
His illustrations often conveyed a sense of glamour, mystery, and movement, blending fashion with fantasy in a way that came to define the spirit of the Jazz Age.
🖌️ Career Highlights
Fashion Illustration: Created hundreds of covers and illustrations for Harper’s Bazaar (from 1915–1937), shaping the visual lexicon of fashion during that era.
Costume & Set Design: Designed opulent costumes and sets for the Folies Bergère, Ziegfeld Follies, Paris Opera, and Hollywood films (including MGM).
Decorative Arts: In later years, he created bronze sculptures, serigraphs, and jewelry that continued his signature Art Deco style.
🕊️ Influence & Legacy
Often called the “Father of Art Deco”, though the movement itself was broader, Erté was one of its most iconic figures.
Revived interest in his work during the 1960s–80s led to new exhibitions, and limited-edition prints and sculptures became highly collectible.
His style influenced fashion designers (like Karl Lagerfeld and Thierry Mugler), graphic designers, and even stage productions in Broadway and ballet.
📚 Fun Fact:
Erté once worked briefly for Paul Poiret, the famed Paris couturier, which helped refine his taste for opulence and abstraction.
Would you like suggestions for modern artists or designers inspired by Erté’s work?
Artists & Illustrators Inspired by Erté
1. David Downton
A contemporary fashion illustrator known for his graceful lines, elongated figures, and high fashion portraits. His work echoes Erté’s glamour and stylized minimalism.
2. Megan Hess
Her fashion illustrations channel the luxury, drama, and intricate design elements reminiscent of Erté’s Harper’s Bazaar era, though with a modern twist.
3. René Gruau
Though Gruau’s prime was mid-20th century, his bold linework, dramatic poses, and fashion sense bridge the gap between Erté’s ornate Deco elegance and modern editorial illustration.
4. Jason Brooks
His sleek, digital fashion illustrations reflect Erté's influence in their elegant forms and high-gloss sophistication, often used for luxury branding.
👗 Fashion Designers & Stylists
5. Jean Paul Gaultier
His theatrical, gender-fluid fashion and flamboyant runway presentations often mirror the fantasy and opulence Erté designed for the stage.
6. Thierry Mugler
Known for futuristic, sculptural designs and extravagant costuming that echoes the drama and silhouette of Erté’s work.
7. Zuhair Murad & Elie Saab
Their haute couture often leans into intricate embellishments and Art Deco motifs, resembling the ornamental glamour of Erté’s gowns.
🩰 Stage & Costume Designers
8. Bob Mackie
A designer famed for dressing Cher and Diana Ross, Mackie’s over-the-top glitz and meticulous embellishments harken back to Erté’s theatrical legacy.
9. Catherine Martin (production and costume designer for Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby)
Her Art Deco-inspired set and costume designs show a clear visual lineage from Erté’s lush aesthetic.