The renowned fashion artist Rene Gruau who had worked for fashion houses like Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy, and Vogue, Elle and Harper`s Bazaar magazines, passed away on March 31, aged 95, in his house in Rome. Gruau had wanted the news of his death be kept secret, reports the Italian Agency ANSA. It was not clear how the news came out.

Gruau, whose real name was Renato Zavagli Ricciardelli delle Caminate, was born in the Italian seaside town of Rimini to an Italian aristocrat and a French woman, whose last name he took. He soon moved to Paris and, later, also lived in New York.

His work in fashion advertising often focused on accessories such as gloves, perfumes and cosmeticsGruau's illustrations captured the glamour and style of the fashion world. His fluid lines and aggressive colors — mainly red and black — became symbols of elegance and refinement.

"It's the history of 20th century fashion that dies," Italian designer Laura Biagiotti, a longtime friend of Gruau, told ANSA.