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 Ren? 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.

Ren? Gruau “Robe Ispahan” illustration. Credit: Vogue UK
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.

1963 Dior Vernis magazine ad by Ren? Gruau. Credit:
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.”

Dior Gruau G* 837 swatch in indirect sunlight
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.)

Dior Gruau G* 837 swatch outdoors
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 Ren? 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.

Ren? Gruau’s signature. Credit: Wikipedia
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?

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Tags: Creme, hidden shimmer, nails, red

6 Responses to Dior Vernis Gruau G* 837 (Les Rouges Collection)

boarbbAugust 23, 2011 at 1:19 PM

i really like this red on you!!:3 so pretty!!i agree with you, this color is mature, like classy :] i cant stand very very bright red on me but a darker red like this , sooo pretty & elegant :3

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peach_August 23, 2011 at 3:04 PM

Thanks, boarbb! Darker shades definitely suit my style better as well. I’m starting to learn what kind of colors you like!

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ChelseaAugust 23, 2011 at 9:08 PM

I love this shade. I need a classic-ish red. xoxo

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peach_August 23, 2011 at 9:34 PM

This one fits the bill! I hope Dior is re-releasing the collection.

Reply

PaulinaAugust 24, 2011 at 2:48 PM

This is amaaaazing on you!!!! I love the Les Rouges collection!

Reply

peach_August 24, 2011 at 6:36 PM

Thanks, Paulina! There’s something so classy about this shade.

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