Category: Fashion
Marc Jacobs A/W 2010, illustration by Leeay Aikawa
We're very excited by the new exhibition at the Design Museum: none other than an exhibition devoted entirely to fashion illustration: there must be something in the air, because fashion illustration is definitely having something of a moment. Naturally I hope that my upcoming book Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration will sell very well in their shop: showcasing as it does the best of the newest illustrators working today.
The Drawing Fashion exhibition will feature many of the greats: and includes original artworks from the collections of Chanel, Dior, Comme des Garçons and Poiret as well as Viktor & Rolf, Lacroix and McQueen.
The collection was first brought together by Joelle Chariau of Galerie Bartsch & Chariau, but it hasn't been displayed for thirty years. It will be a chance to explore the best creative work of Georges Lepape at the beginning of the century, Rene Gruau in the 40s and 50s, Antonio in the 60s, 70s and 80s and the work of current artists Mats Gustafson, Aurore de la Morinerie and Francois Berthoud.
Marc Jacobs A/W 2010, illustration by Leeay Aikawa
Perhaps even more exciting is their upcoming Talks Series: they're quite pricey and I'm not talking at any of them, but these facts aside they look like an absolute must for any aspiring fashion illustrator:
DRAWING FASHION: EXHIBITION TALKS SERIES
DRAWING FASHION DEBATE
COLIN MCDOWELL, JOELLE CHARIAU, FRANCOIS BERTHOUD, HOWARD TANGYE AND WILLIAM LING.
Friday 5 November 2010, 7.30pm
£15 / £7.50 Design Museum member
Either as a tool for marketing or pure creative endeavour fashion illustration has fulfilled various functions over the years. With this prodigious past what is the legacy of these achievements and what is the future of this creative genre? Fashion historian and exhibition guest curator Colin McDowell with the custodian of this extensive collection Joelle Chariau will discuss these issues joined by artist Francois Berthoud, artist Howard Tangye, and Fashion Illustration Gallery director William Ling.
MANOLO BLAHNIK IN CONVERSATION WITH COLIN MCDOWELL
Monday 29 November 2010, 7.30pm
£20 / £10 Design Museum members
The most renowned designer of desirable footwear is also known for his expressive yet exquisite illustrations of shoes. The Design Museum welcomes the return of Manolo Blahnik for an interview which will refer to the importance of drawing in his design process. Manolo will also be signing copies of his new book ‘Manolo’s New Shoes’ after the event.
STEPHEN JONES IN CONVERSATION WITH COLIN MCDOWELL
Wednesday 26 January 2011, 7.30pm
£15 / £7.50 Design Museum members
Milliner to the stars Stephen Jones will join Colin McDowell for a conversation about the inspiration behind his striking designs. Often described as whimsical yet current, his work echoes the flair of a drawn line and inspires illustration.
To buy tickets in advance and for more information check out the Design Museum website.