"Moda Polska" (1969) by Roman Cieślewicz is a sophisticated fusion of ancient Egyptian aesthetics, French fashion, and Polish graphic design. Created during his tenure as art director at Elle magazine in Paris, this poster masterfully blends cultural influences while adhering to the constraints of censorship.
The design is dominated by a profile inspired by the famous limestone bust of Nefertiti, rendered in monochromatic grey tones against a deep black background. Instead of the Egyptian queen's iconic crown, Cieślewicz substitutes an elaborate rose-pink hat that unfurls like a sculptural flower, reimagining the ancient headpiece. Beneath her profile, the minimalist "moda polska" text integrates seamlessly into the composition, resembling a fragment torn from a fashion magazine. The restrained color palette of grey, pink, and black creates a striking contrast and elegant simplicity.
This poster illustrates how Polish graphic artists of the 1960s reinterpreted classical imagery for contemporary purposes. By replacing Nefertiti's crown with a modern interpretation of beauty, Cieślewicz connects ancient and modern ideals of elegance. Nefertiti, an enduring symbol of timeless beauty, becomes a bridge positioning Polish design on the global stage. This approach reflects the Polish Poster School's skill in layering cultural references, functioning as both commercial promotion and artistic commentary—all within the constraints of censorship.
Roman Cieślewicz (1930–1996) studied at the Kraków Academy of Fine Arts under Henryk Tomaszewski and Józef Mroszczak, where he honed his signature style blending photomontage with graphic design elements. After moving to France in 1963, he became art director for Elle magazine and contributed to Vogue, profoundly influencing French graphic design with his distinctive Polish aesthetic. His works are held in major collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, which hosted a major retrospective of his work in 1993.
