Paris Fashion Atelier Illustrations – c. 1967–1973
Signed “Duvay”

These original fashion illustrations are characteristic atelier design sketches from the Paris prêt-à-porter scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The drawings are signed “Duvay,” most likely a fashion illustrator working for a Parisian design studio or ready-to-wear atelier that developed collections for production and international distribution.

The sketches display the distinct graphic style of late-1960s fashion illustration: elongated, elegant figures, swift and confident pen or marker lines, and selective color accents. The sheets also include French design notes and color indications such as “nouvelle saharienne” and color references (blanc, jaune d’or, rouge, turquoise clair), suggesting that these are original working sketches used during the development of a fashion collection, rather than illustrations intended purely for publication.

The designs clearly reflect the aesthetic influences that shaped Paris fashion at the time. The safari-inspired jacket (“saharienne”) directly echoes the iconic safari look popularized by Yves Saint Laurent around 1967. The clean, modern lines and graphic simplicity resonate with the futuristic minimalism associated with designers such as André Courrèges and Pierre Cardin, whose work defined the progressive spirit of Paris fashion in that era. The slender silhouettes and sporty elegance also recall elements of the vibrant resort and leisurewear aesthetic of Emilio Pucci.

Illustrations like these were typically produced within Parisian prêt-à-porter design studios, such as Créations Mendès and similar ateliers that created collections for manufacturers and department stores. As such, these drawings provide an authentic glimpse into the creative development process behind the Paris fashion industry during a pivotal period when ready-to-wear rapidly expanded and couture influences were translated into modern, wearable fashion.

Together, these works represent a vivid example of Paris fashion illustration culture around 1970—a moment when designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Courrèges, and Cardin shaped the visual language of modern fashion, and atelier illustrators such as “Duvay” transformed those ideas into compelling design imagery.