Dior Vernis Gruau G* 837 (Les Rouges Collection)

There’s something so comforting about Gruau G*. It makes me think of curling up with a good book (or in my case, an iPad…with occasional Twitter and Words with Friends sidetracking) and sipping on chai latte, the leaves outside transitioning for autumn from green to yellow to Gruau to brown.

Les Rouges collection was intended for Fall, but cozy, fuzzy feelings weren’t exactly Dior’s inspirations behind this lacquer. Named after René Gruau, who was a renowned fashion illustrator, Vernis Gruau G* is a tribute to his 1947 “Robe Ispahan” artwork and the red color prominently used in many of his sketches.

With the 20th century technology yet to arrive, Signore Gruau (he’s Italian) played a vital role as artistic director of advertising for Dior. His illustrations were the equivalent of glossy magazine ads of today that would influence sales in Haute Couture.

Gruau and Dior’s friendship began in 1947 with their first collaboration for House of Dior’s “New Look” campaign. It was so successful that Gruau continued to draw for the fashion house, even after Dior’s death. Monsieur Dior had said to Gruau, “Do exactly what you want. We speak the same language.”

Gruau G* is a brick red creme. Darker than Trafalgar in the same collection, but not dark enough to be considered a vampy shade, it is a mid-tone burnt-red with Dior’s usual hidden micro-shimmer that is barely visible under bright light.

I’d call this a “mature” color. By that, I don’t mean “old,” but more sophisticated and poised compared to a “sexy” red or a “happy” red like Trafalgar. Gruau made me feel instantly polished. (Pun intended.)

It applies a bright red on the first coat, but it becomes opaque in 2 coats into a shade slightly darker than the bottle. I suppose color depth will depend on the thickness of the coat you use; I normally apply a thin fist coat, then a slightly thicker second coat. As you can see in the outdoor photo, the bright brown-red undertone is amplified under bright light.

You might be wondering about that “G*” after its name. It’s René Gruau’s signature. You can spot it on the bottom-right corner in the illustration and it is also on the bottom of the polish bottle next to the name.

Gruau G* is part of limited edition Les Rouges collection and is no longer available for purchase. Keep an eye out, though: Dior has recently promoted the collection on Facebook, which might mean they are bringing it back.

What do you think of Gruau G*? Do you like knowing the inspiration behind your cosmetics and other purchases?