Sonia Delaunay was a Ukrainian-born French artist, who spent most of her working life in Paris and, with her husband Robert Delaunay and others, cofounded the Orphism art movement, noted for its use of strong colours and geometric shapes. Her work extends to painting, textile design and stage set design. She was the first living female artist to have a retrospective exhibition at the Louvre in 1964, and in 1975 was named an officer of the French Legion of Honor.

Her work in modern design included the concepts of geometric abstraction, the integration of furniture, fabrics, wall coverings, and clothing.

Sonia Delaunay’s clothing sketches

Sonia had a Paris studio dedicated to creating textiles and clothing, and she opened a fashion house called – how could i be different –  Sonia. Sonia attracted wealthy clients: a woollen embroidered coat was made in 1925 for the movie star Gloria Swanson, in geometric shades of rich spicy reds, browns and creams.

Sonia Delaunay, Coat made for Gloria Swanson, 1923-24

For four more decades Sonia designed fabrics for the Amsterdam luxury store Metz and Co, and latterly for Liberty.By the 1930s she was aware of the possibilities of mass – and machine – production. She said: “In this way, fashion will become democratic, and this … can only be welcome, as it will raise general standards.” Sounds like Zara, or H&M doesn’t it?

This film shows presentations of fabrics and dresses designed by Sonia Delaunay.

Beautiful!