Born in Montparnasse in 1950, Gérard Courbouleix – Dénériaz, a.k.a. Razzia, started as a photographer in the music world clicking the shutter for the likes of the Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin or Pink Floyd. In 1979, he created his first graphic from a photo shoot for choreographer Carolyn Carlson. He enjoyed the scene at the Parisian club “Palace” during the years that followed, which was a hotspot for people-watching and where he was noticed by fashion gurus.

His graphics were first published in foreign fashion magazines across the Atlantic (The American Dream…), which thenceforward led him to imagine numerous visuals in the areas of travel, gastronomy, music, fashion, sports, cinema. It was during this time that he developed a close collaboration with Louis Vuitton which has lasted over 25 years.

And where did we discover him? In the historic village of Barbizon near Paris, cradle of impressionism, and home to numerous contemporary artists (grand day trip, by the way). We were lucky to meet the artist who was on site!

Here are a few of my favorites from the show:

Can you see Serge Gainsbourg’s profile?

Tennis in Monte-Carlo anyone?

Time for a dip in Deauville

Unless you prefer the quainter Le Touquet

Tip: if you are new to my blog and missed the Vahram Muratyan post last Fall, here’s your chance to discover another graphic artist that I adore and who illustrates Paris vs New York brilliantly.

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