The Art of Fashion

Description

INTRODUCTION TO
FASHION ILLUSTRATION

A fashion illustration does something that a photograph can never do: It provides a direct
connection to the designer and brings the energy and style within the clothing to reality.
The illustrator’s job is to Ånd the balance between the drawing as a whole and the details
in it that bring the garment to life.
Fashion illustration provides the rare opportunity to savor a moment in history, long after
the relevance of the clothing itself. The Art of Fashion Illustration includes interviews and
illustrations from those who have seized this opportunity: both the emerging masters—
the illustration world’s next big names—and the icons, a group whose body of work has
already made their names recognizable.
What’s surprising is that many of the featured artists didn’t Ånd their ¹fashionº calling
until it was presented to them as an option in college. With hindsight they wonder if they
should have seen the signs all along—the moments as a kid when they would tear the
advertisements out of fashion magazines or collect beautiful images of models.
Although their paths to becoming illustrators may have been diٺerent, one of the most
refreshing characteristics of all the artists interviewed is that style is a signature dwelling.
Some rely on traditional techniques such as pen and paper to realize their images, while
others prefer to use digital options. Some love infusing rich and bold color, and others pre-
fer to create in black and white. But the common shared experience among all the artists
is that illustration is a career where diligence and perseverance pays oٺ, and one in which
the artists should never underestimate their ability to draw.