Fashion Illustration.

The wikipedia definition of fashion illustration 'is the communication of fashion that originates with illustration, drawing and painting. it is usually commissioned for reproduction in fashion magazines as one part of an editorial feature or for the purpose of advertising and promoting Fashion makers, Fashion boutiques and department stores.'

 The beginnings of fashion illustrations date back the the sixteenth century and were inspired by exploration and discovery which also came about at this time. France became the leading contributor of fashion illustrations, this is an example of a early dated illustration...

                                            

                  .... By Wenceslaus Hollar- a mid C17th English dress illustration.

Fashion illustration through the ages was inspired and I think grew up to date with 'The Art Movement'.

In the early 1900's Art Nouveau appeared in fashion illustrations along side many other areas of design such as buildings, furniture and advertisement.

                                                         Dated 1914 - Georges Barbier.

  You can tell by looking at the picture that the art nouveau style is there, the oriental influence of a women on side view, the natural curving forms represented in the stance of women, hair and draping clothing.

By the 1920's illustrations became more angular and linear- exaggeration of body limbs to look longer and more appealing to the eye.

                                                           1920's 'Flapper girl' illustration.

After the 2nd world war illustration became a popular interest but grew more romantic and sophisticated...

                                                                      'Swing Time'

In the late 60's early 70's photography became very popular and pot art and abstract art emerged into fashion illustrations.
Today as we no it fashion illustrations are representing many different styles and inspiration and now are even digitally designed ... I searched the Internet and found a couple of illustrators that really stood out to me.

Holly Mae Gooch- American illustrator.

I like the way Holly uses simple line drawings and adding selective colour to high light certain features. In these two pictures she has highlighted the makeup and some tones in the hair this effectively drawn the viewer towards those areas.

Luis Tinoco- Spainish illustrator.

Tinoco is an artist and illustrator, this is his drawing of Lady Gaga. I like the way he has described her personality through colour and style. Here are some more of his work....

I feel that the colour in this picture is purposely placed behind the focus figure to highlight her black and white self.

                                                                    Howard Tagye

Lovisa Burfitt -Sweedish Illustrator .

                                                         Antoinette Fleur.

Cecilia Carlsteadt.

After being inspired from researching on Fashion Illustrators I might just try it out myself.......................