Esther M. Larson (1904–1998) was a prominent American fashion illustrator whose career spanned over five decades. She was widely recognized for her elegant and expressive illustrations created for high-fashion magazines and department store campaigns.
Larson contributed to major publications such as Vogue and illustrated catalog ads for prestigious retailers like Bergdorf Goodman. Her style exemplified mid-20th-century fashion illustration: refined, glamorous, and with a strong sense of line and form.
Beyond her illustration work, Larson had a diverse set of interests: she restored old New England houses, collected American antiques, and bred Airedale terriers. She passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most respected fashion artists of her era.
Elegant theater suit in garnet silk and rayon velvet, whisper-striped in black, the velvet dress has flower clusters in garnet at the neck, at Bergdorf Goodman, illustrated by Esther M. Larson, Harper’s Bazaar, September 1950
A fashionable close-fitting suit of navy wool worsted, the collar of cardinal-red tie silk outlined with navy passementerie at Bergdorf Goodman, illustrated by Esther M. Larson, Vogue, March 1, 1951
Suit by Bellciano illustrated by Esther M. Larson, Harper’s Bazaar, January 1951
A navy town dress in imported French tissue accented with white piqué by Nicol of Sweden for Bergdorf Goodman, illustrated by Esther M. Larson, Vogue, February 1, 1952
Spring suit in menswear fabric in haze blue or gray exclusively at Bergdrof Goodman, illustrated by Esther M. Larson, Harper’s Bazaar U.S., February 1952
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