Fabulous Doodles Fashion Illustration blog by Brooke Hagel: bridal

Showing posts with label bridal. Show all posts

Custom Fashion Illustrations for a Bridal Shower

Today I had a meeting about sketching for a bridal shower and it got me thinking that its been a while since I shared a bridal shower I've live sketched here on Fabulous Doodles. I've sketched custom illustrations at countless private events but this pink bridal shower stands out as one of my favorites. Custom illustrating this bride-to-be, and her sisters in their custom made ensembles was a delight. The party was in the backyard of a Long Island estate and I live sketched the guests custom illustrations in a tent poolside while guests mingled about. It was a fun fete where nearly all the illustrations were in my favorite color, pink, since unbeknownst to me there was a pink dress code!

The bridal shower meeting I had today was primarily about doing illustrations of the bride-to-be before the shower so the illustration could be used throughout the Soho party as shower decor. I'm so looking forward to seeing this one come to fruition. Its always exciting to see what event planners create with my sketches! Did you see this jaw dropping party that Mindy Weiss threw for NBA star Russel Westbrook by blowing up and repeating my one custom sketch?! If you're interested in commissioning a custom sketch for your own future event or would like rates on having me live sketch at your private party you can email me at FabulousDoodles@gmail.com.

Past posts you may have missed:

Royal-ish Wedding | Pippa Middleton Bridal Sketch

Todays breaking news of the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has me so excited that I took a look back at my past royal wedding inspired sketches and realized I've yet to share the sketch I did of royal-ish bride Pippa Middleton here on Fabulous Doodles. I drew this custom illustration back on her wedding day in May of this year. Sketched on the iPad with an Apple Pencil, which is not traditionally the medium I use for bridal sketches but I wanted to try something different. I used a pink base and drew her with predominantly white tools for a more stylized custom illustration look. I shared it on social and it was immediately picked up by other outlets, regramming and even published by Hello Magazine in an article titles Pippa Middleston and Kate Inspire Stunning Wedding Sketches!

This gown was quite the departure from the formfitting gown she wore as Maid of Honor for Will and Kate's wedding but of corse it suited her beautifully. Giles Deacon designed Pippa's sophisticated lace dress and I enjoyed putting my spin on the look. I can't wait to see and sketch what Meghan Markle wears to walk down the aisle to her prince!

Similar posts you may have missed:

Television Debut (My illustrated dress prediction of Kate Middleton for the Nate Berkus Show)
Kate Middleton Bridal Illustration
Bridal Fashion Illustration Gift

Bridal Fashion Illustration Gifts

Time to share a new batch of custom bridal fashion illustrations! Featured in this post one bridal sketch was commissioned by the bride herself, another was given as a wedding gift and the third was a one year anniversary gift from the groom to his bride. (FYI: the traditional one year gift is "paper," so a custom illustration fits the bill perfectly!)

Ballgowns have always topped my list of favorite silhouettes to render and I especially loved Sara's vintage gown (shown above.) Photographs showed her lifting her skirt and tossing her long bouncing hair, which really reminded me of Belle and made the sketch have an overall Disney princess feel, in the best possible way! With Sean's illustration (shown below) it was all about showing off the favorite feature of her dress, the dramatic low cut lace back. To highlight this feature I went with a flirty pose, drawing her glancing over one shoulder which was a fun change from the traditional bridal illustration.

And last but certainly not least is Caity (shown above) who wore an intricate lace bodice with a sweetheart neckline, dainty embellished belt and full skirt of soft etherial layers of chiffon. All three of these bridal illustrations were a pleasant change and so enjoyable to work on. I'm currently accepting bridal commissions through my two Etsy shops Brooklit and Brooklit Bride as well as IfOnly.

For more of my custom bridal illustrations check out these previous posts:

Live-Sketching Bridal Fashion Week for Brides Magazine

Recently I attended Bridal Fashion Week to live sketch designers final looks on behalf of Brides Magazine's social media channels and it was without a doubt one of my favorite projects to date. With my sketchbook and art supplies in tow I attended Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier and Marchesa's Spring 2016 Bridal Collections along with a photographer and camera crew to record me live-sketching for photos and time-lapse videos.

I was invited to arrive early to each show for a closer look at the gown I'd be illustrating. The first was Reem Acra and it was an exquisite cream colored re-embroidered metallic lace long sleeve dress with circular tulle underlay. (Sketch shown above) I took some photos of the dress details, watched the models in hair and makeup, then headed out to my seat for the show. Promptly after the show I scooted backstage with the camera crew where my model was waiting for me in the finale dress to pose. I completed the sketch in about 15-20 minutes and she was thrilled with the outcome, and said she'd actually never been sketched before. I then thanked and shared the sketch with Reem Acra. She loved it and was quite complimentary of my work, which she had checked out prior to my arrival. (Ekk!)

Next up, Monique Lhuillier. Again I arrived early and was brought backstage for a closer look at the finale gown. Waiting for my sketching location I sat backstage for quite a while watching the models and snapping pix. They said if I liked another gown more I could sketch whichever gown I thought would make the best illustration so instead of the long-sleeved finale gown I chose a strapless tulle ballgown with a delicate lace bodice with lace appliqués that trickled onto the skirt, to differentiate it from the dress I drew that morning. After the show I got set up in the room they were shooting the look-book in, so again, the model was right there and got to see her final sketch along with the Monique Lhuillier (see below.)

Lastly Marchesa, which unsurprisingly was flawless. When I arrived early backstage I was told the design team wanted to meet with me. Two of the head designers came out and showed me the three contenders they had in mind for the sketch. I chose this gown (below) because of the unique gathered bodice and beautiful three dimensional florals throughout the etherial skirt. I didn't realize at the time, but this was in-fact the finale look. Being a presentation situation, not a runway show, I was able to set up with the camera crew and sketch while the model posed on the pedestal. I saw the two Marchesa designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig during the show but unfortunately not after, once the sketch was complete.

It doesn't get much better than sketching Bridal Fashion Week for Brides Magazine. It was a dream project and hopefully I'll have the opportunity to do it again. Through the years I've attended countless New York Fashion Weeks but up until now, actually only one bridal show, and I have to say I'm sold! Beautiful New York venues showcasing one stunning fairytale gown after the next, it was a fashion illustrating dream come true. You can check out more of my sketches and a time lapse video over on Brides Magazine instagram account. Thank you to the team at Brides and all the designers who welcomed me!

For more of my bridal illustrations you can check out my bridal print shop: Brooklit Bride.

Similar posts you may be interested in:

Custom Bridal Illustration Wedding Gift

Custom bridal fashion illustrations commissioned as wedding gifts are continually in the works in my studio yet I haven't featured any in some time. I drew this beautiful bride weeks ago as a wedding gift from her assistant. Yesterday I was reminded of them, and this illustration which I loved, while waiting for someone in their same office building, the Hearst Tower. After sucessfully searching my camera roll I thought it was time to share the photos and illustration. This was a gorgeous gown to draw, with a soft champagne colored lining subtly peeking out beneath an intricate lace overlay.

This photo was taken just before packing and sending the bride the original sketch. All original custom bridal illustrations are adhered to a matte board to prevent bending, tied in a white tulle bow and placed in a cardboard photo mailer along with a thank you note and business card, both featuring my illustrations.

For more information on my custom bridal illustrations you can check out the gift certificate and custom listings in bridal print shop Brooklit Bride.

Similar posts that may interest you:
-Custom Wedding Gift Bridal Illustrations
-The Go-To Wedding Gift
-Custom Illustration Wedding Gifts

Golden Gallery

This week I've been having fun styling some of my favorite bridal sketches onto this amazing gallery picture frame wallpaper from Graham and Brown. This year they're celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their iconic frame paper and in celebration have released the print in new color ways including this sophisticated metallic gold. This wallpaper creates an instant gallery wall in any space and is fantastic for a working art studio. To compliment the white and gold pattern I chose to adorn it with my bridal sketches, prints and businesscards from my Brooklit Bride shop.

To see the other limited edition color combinations now available as well as the paper used in a variety of different room set ups click on over to Graham and Brown.

(Bridal Illustrations: Brooke Hagel, Wallpaper ℅ Graham and Brown.)

Versace Bridal Sketch for Angelia Jolie

Details of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's wedding last month have been released including this beautiful bridal sketch by Atelier Versace. Angelina's couture gown was not your typical Donatella Versace gown, it was a traditional design of ivory silk-satin with a gathered bust and full flared skirt. The real showstopper was in the adornment. In the sketch it simply looks like lace, but in actuality illustrations by their six children were embroidered over the elongated train and silk veil. It was like a sprinkling of colorful doodles all along her back. (Photo here, on my Famous Brides Pinterest board) I'm not so sure its something I would choose, however you can't argue that it isn't a unique and personal touch. I'd certainly be honored if someone adorned her wedding gown with my illustrations!

This particular bridal sketch is by Versace but if you'd like one of yourself or as a bridal gift, you can check out my custom bridal illustrations in my Brooklit Bride Etsy shop.

(Illustration: Atelier Versace)

Plus, a couple of related posts you may have missed:

Blue & White Fashion Inspiration

Lately I've been really drawn to classic blue and white patterns and wanted to share a few fashion illustrations I've come up with alongside inspirational images. As a former product designer and stylist who has assembled her fair share of color and trend reports, I can tell you that typically fashion influences trends and theres a trickle down effect starting from the fashion runways to home and product design. This however is one of the rare occasions where the opposite is the case. Classic blue and white china patterns, tiles and traditional toile prints are popping up throughout womenswear and I'm not only loving it but inspired!

1. New bridal fashion illustration I drew with gouache and pencil on brown craft paper. I actually shared this photo on Instagram this past weekend and it quickly became my most "liked" photo to date! She may soon be added to the shop, but I've yet to scan her. As of now I'm enjoying the illustration displayed above my desk.

2. Stunning runway look from Igor Gulyaev's spring 2014 collection.

3. Porcelain plate wallpaper featuring a collection of blue and white Dutch tableware.

4. Classic blue floral toile wallpaper.

5. Two weeks ago while traveling around Spain I instagrammed this photo of a bun sketch on one of my business cards in front of beautiful hand painted blue and white wall tiles of Botin in Madrid, the worlds oldest restaurant (according to the Guiness Book of World Records, dates back to 1725!)

6. The newest fashion illustration print added to my Etsy shop Brooklit. The silhouette of the dress is reminiscent of a Halston Heritage mini dress but for the fabric and print, clearly I ran with my favorite inspiration of the moment and painted a blue and white floral.

Here are some similar post you may have missed:

-Met Gala Inspired Illustrations
-Custom Fashion Illustration Gifts for Love Gold
-Braid Bar Illustrations for Dream Dry and Teen Vogue

Carolina Herrera Wedding Gown Design for Jessica Simpson

Needless to say I love a designer bridal sketch, and Carolina Herrera is one of my favorite designers. So I was thrilled this morning to find that over the holiday weekend People Magazine released this custom sketch, only days after pop star and fashion licensing power house Jessica Simpson tied the knot again in a custom gown and veil by Carolina Herrera. The sketch is a little odd, with the bride holding the bouquet awkwardly and being bald, but the dress design is pretty and I'm eager to see how it compares to the actual gown. As of now only this close up bridal portrait has been released, but from the little we can see it looks gorgeous.

(Photo: Elizabeth Messina, Illustration: Carolina Herrera)

Custom Wedding Gift {Bridal Illustration}

Since wedding season is here I'm sharing some new custom bridal illustration wedding gifts. The first illustrated bride (shown above) received a custom illustration gift certificate from her sister on her wedding day. Shortly after her wedding the bride emailed me with photos and ready to start on the custom illustration process. We emailed back and forth over rough sketches, her favorite pose and the elements of her beautiful deco detailed gown that she liked best. In the end I loved her final sketch, and even featured it in a "Inspired Weekend" post a few weeks back.

The next bridal illustration was actually a gift from my brother to the beautiful bride of one of his oldest friends. A custom bridal sketch was a great wedding gift for her, being an uber-stylish girl and working in the fashion industry. Her J. Mendel gown featured a sleek and minimal bodice with an appliquéd skirt of modern stylized flowers. Working with my brother on an illustration was different than my typical client collaboration. He sent me photos and gave me free rein to sketch the pose and overall look I thought would be best, skipping all the steps in between. I simply presented him with the final illustration which he then framed and gave to the newlyweds.

Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing more custom bridal illustration clients so check back here on Fabulous Doodles soon. For more information on my custom bridal sketches you can check out the custom listings and gift certificates in my bridal print shop Brooklit Bride.

Inspired Weekend

This weekend was a fashion illustration filled working weekend for me as I had a bunch of custom sketches to finish and send to clients and brides but I did manage to squeeze a little Sephora trip, pop by a party and unexpectidly soak up more Charles James inspiration.

1. Left a party and stumbled upon Bergdorf Goodman's beautiful Charles James Beyond Fashion inspired windows. This photo shows the monochromatic white background of a couturier (which had a Louise Nevelson vibe; famous sculptor and a cousin of mine) complimenting James inspired gowns by Ralph Rucci, Zac Posen and Naeem Khan, among others.

2. Sketched all weekend. Here's a sneak peek of a custom bridal illustration, one of many I polished off and sent out to brides this weekend. (Can't share the whole sketch just yet, as the bride hasn't seen it yet!)

3. Popped by Elle's The Face season 2 finale party where I awkwardly made my first GIF in a Phhhoto animated photo booth. There I chatted with The Face host Nigel Barker about how incredible Monday's Met Costume Center press preview was! I told him I spotted him in one of the galleries while previewing the Charles James exhibit and we both gushed about the turnout. Nigel too was amazed by the elite fashion-crowd and said that the morning was even better than that evening's gala. Of his long career he said it was a truly one of the most remarkable events!

4. Marc Jacobs lip gel in Moody Margot. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect nude lipstick and/or pale pink gloss and this beauty is a welcomed addition to my makeup bag. I can't seem to get enough of Marc Jacobs Beauty and its sleek packaging design.

Custom Bridal Illustrations; The Go-to Wedding Gift

Its officialy May, which means wedding season is upon us so what better time to share my go-to wedding gift of custom bridal fashion illustrations. Similar to my last bridal post, this batch of brides all happen to be friends of mine, (yes, I've had a very wedding filled year!) two of which I've personally gifted with a custom illustration and one that was purchased as a gift from her sister-in-law. First up is an old high school friend of mine, Tina, in a gorgeous Badgley Mischka gown. In this dress Tina was breathtaking and from the moment I saw her in it I couldn't wait to sketch her it. I absolutely loved this gown with its slinky drape, demure neckline, cap sleeves and intricate beaded waist band. It's such a unique, chic and sophisticated bridal choice. I actually also drew Tina in a wedding couple sketch too, but I'll be sharing that one another day!

Next is my adorable friend Danielle in a modest gown with lace trim appliqués, a ruffled hem, and lovely little bows that ran along the center back. I was traveling and unfortunitly couldn't make it to Danielle's wedding but I was able to get my hands on a bunch of pictures and surprise her with a sketch capturing her wedding look from photos, as I typically do with regular clients whom I don't know personally. Danielle was glowing in all the photos, wearing a smile from ear to ear with tendrils of hair escaping her up-do and blowing about in the wind. I think I captured her, and the day, pretty well even though I couldn't be there.

Last but not least is Kristy, the beautiful new sister-in-law to one of my oldest friends, wearing a delicate tulle skirted Maggie Sottero gown with lace appliqués, an embellished waistband and sweetheart lace bodice. This particular friend has actually given one of my custom bridal illustrations or a custom illustration gift certificate to just about every bride she's known in the past eight or so years. All her friends, family members and even neighbors have custom Brooke Hagel bridal sketches! I guess you could say it's her go-to wedding and bridal shower gift. Sadly my scanner didn't actually pick up the skirt shading and highlights, because the actual original illustration had a lot of depth and detail. Kristy wrote me saying she loved it and couldn't wait to have it framed and hanging in her home.

For more information on custom bridal sketches you can check out the custom listings and gift certificates in my bridal print shop, Brooklit Bride.

Custom Bridal Illustration Wedding Gifts

Bridal Fashion Week starts tomorrow so what better time to feature some of my latest custom bridal illustrations. I'm regularly commissioned through my bridal print shop, Brooklit Bride, to draw brides by their friends and families as a custom wedding or bridal shower gifts. This past wedding season however, it was my own friends and family who were tying the knot. I was my own client, sketching up illustrations for wedding gift after wedding gift, two of which I'm featuring today. First up is my beautiful stepsister Vanessa (shown above) in a sweetheart strapless Marisa gown with floral lace overlay that trickled off as it flowed down the skirt.

Next is Jen (shown above,) a fellow FIT fashion design major and one of my closest friends from college. Jen wore a lovely Vera Wang for Davids Bridal organza gown with fern patterned embroidery of metallic and silk with a net overlay. It was such a unique pattern, I really enjoyed rendering this one. (In the original illustration all the layers of organza really popped with beautiful shadows and highlights but the scanner wasn't corroborating so the skirting isn't showing up too well in here in this image.)

This last custom bridal illustration is Marisa, and was a gift to her from her friend and coworker. The many layers of ruffles on her dropped waist gown were certainly tedious to render, but I have to admit I love the outcome of this gorgeous BHLDN gown. And so did Marisa, the bride and her coworkers Instagrammed away upon receiving the final sketch!

If you would like your own custom bridal sketch or to give one as a gift you can check out the custom listings in my Etsy bridal print shop Brooklit Bride. Custom illustration gift certificate's are also available as well as an option to add the groom and have both the newlyweds sketched. For more about my custom process you can take a look at this older Fabulous Doodes post from a few years ago where I've shared each illustrated step-by-step.

Custom Bridal Fashion Illustrations

(Melinda in Amsale)

Its Bridal Fashion Week here in New York, so what better time to share some of my recent custom bridal fashion illustrations. This summers wedding season brought me so many beautiful bridal clients its hard to choose which to feature. This first custom bridal illustration (shown above) however is one of my favorites to come along in quite a while. This brides gown by Amsale is so simple but absolutely beautiful. I'm not normally a fan of a one-shoulder neckline, especially for bridal but something about this minimal dress is just so sophisticated and pretty. This illustration was a gift and I worked with the gift giver throughout the custom illustration process, shipped her the final artwork, and she then framed it and presented it to her friend, the bride, as her wedding gift.

(Nicole in Rivini)

The next illustration is another stunning gown that was wonderful to interpret into a fashion illustration. This custom bridal illustration was a bridal shower gift from Nicole's soon-to-be new family. At the shower they gave her a custom illustration gift certificate from my Brooklit Bride etsy shop and after the wedding Nicole reached out, emailed me wedding photos of her in her beautiful Rivini gown, and we worked together on her custom illustration, making sure it was the pose and look she wanted to display in her home. I love the fullness of the layered underskirt and the pretty accent of color with her orchid/lavender bow.

(Dana in Rivini)

Most of the custom bridal sketches this summer were wedding gifts but Dana (shown above) was actually the winner of my one and only custom illustration giveaway I hosted here on Fabulous Doodles a while back. Dana's wedding dress, also by Rivini, features a dropped waist and dramatic skirt made up of layers of organza which created a large rosette. This beautiful gown made for quite a unique bridal illustration with its unique bottom. The actual original illustration I sent to Dana had a lot more depth and shadows in the organza rose skirt, but my not-so-fabulous scanner didn't pick up on the shading and shadows. (Sadly bridal illustrations, being white on white tend to be the most challenging to scan accurately.)

If you'd like your own custom bridal illustration or would like to give one as a unique gift to bride in your life you can check out the custom listings in my bridal Etsy shop Brooklit Bride. I've also featured the whole custom bridal illustration process is this older Fabulous Doodles blog post.

New Brooklit Bride Fashion Illustration Print

Over the weekend I added this lovely new bridal print to Brooklit Bride, my bridal fashion illustration print shop. I sketched her about a month ago, while procrastinating by sketching (and instagraming) instead of getting ready for a wedding I had to head to over in Brooklyn. Since drawing her she's been front and center on my shelves and I simply adore her. I've named this print "Martha" since she's inspired by a photo I pinned from Martha Stewart Weddings and the name just seemed to fit her personality as well we the charming vintage vibe of her J.Crew wedding gown.

To purchase a print of Martha or for information on my custom bridal fashion illustrations, click on over to Brooklit Bride.

Bride Notepads {New to Brooklit Bride}

Since wedding season is kicking off I decided to add something new this year to Brooklit Bride, my bridal fashion illustration print shop. I've printed up a few different notepads featuring some of my favorite and most popular brides. They're a cute little gift for any bride-to-be. So far these two options are listed but a few more will be added soon.

You can check out the whole bridal illustration collection here in my bridal print shop, Brooklit Bride.

New Bride Fashion Illustration Prints

Last week I finally added some new bridal fashion illustration prints to Brooklit Bride, my etsy wedding illustration shop. Often when I'm stuck in a creative rut or have come to a roadblock on a project I'll take a break and sketch something different to inspire me and get the pencil moving. Last week I went through my sketchbook and realized I had a bunch of new brides in there ready to be scanned at added to the shop. Molly (shown above) is my favorite of the new girls. She was inspired by a recent New York Magazine Weddings cover I admired where the bride was wearing a cozy sweater. Adding to the casual and sexy off the shoulder sweater I gave her a messy bun and nerd-chic glasses, then juxtaposed her look with a sleek skirt and pretty bouquet.

The next bride is drawn in a classic a-line tulle gown with a beaded waistband and draped sweetheart neckline. She ended up looking so poised and regal that I gave her the name Grace after Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco.

Penny here (shown above) is a Pinterest inspired bridal illustration. I recently started a "Sketchable Headshots" board featuring women with beautiful faces and sketch worthy hair styling and accessories. Penny, with her floral headband and pretty pout were taken right from this inspiration board. For her dress I kept it simple and modern with floral lace details to compliment the bohemian vibe of her headband and named her Penny after one of my favorite boho movie characters, Penny Lane from Almost Famous.

And last but not least is an elegant bride I've named Mia wearing a dropped waist tiered gown with lace applique trim at the neckline, waist and tier hems. Her hair is in a traditional updo with a chunky bangs for a modern (and First Lady) twist.

All these new bridal prints are available in my bridal shop, Brooklit Bride and the wallpapers featured are all from Graham & Brown.

Bridal Illustrations {A Chic Affair}

Recently I was commissioned by producers of luxry expos and events to sketch a handful of illustrations for two events coming soon to the Washington, D.C. area. The first one is A Chic Affair, a luxury bridal expo with the modern and savvy bride in mind. They chose this romantic and pouty bride as the face of the event, to use on thier site and all event branding.

I also drew an assortment of brides in varying gown silhouettes to be used on large banner artwork throughout the event space. Tomorrow I'll share some more illustrations for their sister expo focused on modern moms and their tiny tots.

(Illustrations by Brooke Hagel)

Illustrated Invitations

Recently I've worked on illustrations for a bunch of new client invitations and announcements and when these two arrived in my mailbox I couldn't wait to share.

The first one (above), a stylized wedding illustration of a bride and groom is near and dear to my heart because its actually a save the date announcement for my brother. They're a playful and fun couple, and they liked this bride and groom I drew in the past, so we decided to go with stylized "bobble head" illustrations for their save the dates. They were thrilled with my depiction of them and have been getting glowing reviews from all the guests about my sketch.

This second invitation is for a bridal shower luncheon and uses my Gwen print from my bridal illustration shop Brooklit Bride. The mother-of-the-bride and luncheon host contacted me because the illustration resembled her bride daughter. She bought the usage rights to my illustration and made these gorgeous invitations. This invitation so strikingly lovely in person. The bridal illustration is printed on a velum overlay, the shower/luncheon information is printed on a gold edged card stock beneath, and the two pieces are held together with a actual ribbon bow tied at the waist! Its beautiful.

Custom Bridal Illustrations

Summer is wrapping up and for me that means many custom bridal fashion illustration orders are being shipped out. This wedding season has brought on lots of new custom bridal sketches and over the next few weeks I plan to share a bunch of them. To start here are two of my recent favorites.

First up was commission by a personal friend, Lou (the groom.) Lou was excited to surprise his beautiful bride Adele with a custom bridal illustration on their one year anniversary. What Lou didn't even realize, was just how appropriate that was because the traditional gift for the one year anniversary is "paper!"

This next bridal illustration was a gift as well but this one was a wedding gift for the newlyweds from the brides sister Jillian. To commission a custom illustration of your own or to learn more about my custom process you can check out this post from last year as well as the custom listings in Brooklit Bride.

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