Custom Illustration, Monika Chiang

A few weeks ago I stopped by Conde Nast to catch up with some of my favorite Vogue girls and chat about a couple of future projects. Needless to say sitting in the Vogue lobby always provides for amazing fashion and people watching but on this day I couldn't help but be a little star struck by the gorgeous designer Monika Chiang who was there presenting pieces from her latest collection to some of the Vogue editors.

After a few minutes I went inside and left the lobby but Monika's look was etched in my head. When I got home later that night I had to test out my markers on Vogue embossed paper to possibly use it for a future live sketching event and I decided who better to draw on my little "test sheet" then the chic Monika Chiang. Well, I whipped up a quickie sketch of Monika, sent a photo (shown above) off to Vogue, and they in turn forwarded it along to Monika's team!

Then last week I live-sketched at a 3 day event for Vogue and Nexxus (more about that next week) and Monika came to the opening night party where I surprised her with the original sketch! She was so sweet, and seemed to really love her custom fashion illustration. Monika's so sketchably chic, this may just be the first of many!

Remembering Lilly Pulitzer

Sadly fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer, known for her preppy bright prints passed away this morning. I wanted to post this sketch I found from the cover of a resort/spring '95 Lilly catalogue as little tribute. Lilly left quite a colorful mark on the world and I'm sure the approaching summer season will have coastlines and cocktail parties be filled with Lilly Pulitzer clad ladies.  

(Illustration: Lilly Pulitzer ®)

Best Dressed: Oscar's 2013

From the minute Jennifer Lawrence stepped onto the Oscar's red carpet I knew who my best dressed of the night would be! What's so ironic is that just last week I had to draw this very Christian Dior Haute Couture gown for a magazine editorial (its yet to be released but I did Instagram this sneak peek a few days ago,) and I fell in love with this dress. I even got into a discussion with the Fashion Director about the fabulousness of this gown when I dropped my sketches off at the magazines office. Its not just the dress alone though, Jennifer's entire look was beautifully flawless. The Chopard jewels, the modern twist of a delicate necklace falling to the back, the up swept do, the jeweled bag, it was all perfection and made quite a memorable Oscars look for the new face of Dior and Oscar winning it-girl.

(Sally Field in Valentino, Kerry Washington in Mui Mui, Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta, Jenna Dewan in Gucci, Stacy Keibler in Naeem Khan, Charlize Theron in Dior, Georgina Chapman in Marchesa, and Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji) 

Although Jennifer was hands down my favorite of the night many were looking red carpet chic. I was blown away by Sally Field in a dramatic ruffled Valentino. Charlize Theron was stunning in a white beaded peplum gown by Dior Haute Couture. And last but not least I loved Octavia Spencer in her go-to designer Tadashi Shoji. Her dress was so ethereal and luminescent, and that buttery tulle against her skin was beautiful. I just loved it.

Who was your best dressed? If you somehow missed the Oscars (which I couldn't imagine!) you can check out WWD for more red carpet looks from Hollywood's most fashionable night.

Designer Fashion Illustrations {NYFW Fall 2013}

Here in New York we're in throws of Fashion Week, which to me means designer sketch time. Ever since my college days a major highlight of NYFW has been when the trade paper Women's Wear Daily shares designer sketches and the inspirations behind the collections. I used to have to hunt down the illustration issues, but now everything is shared online. (Am I dating myself here?!)

Its always fun to pick my favorites to feature here on Fabulous Doodles and the Rachel Zoe sketch (shown above) was a no brainer. She's actually the only designer I'm showing again from last season's picks. What I love about this fashion illustration is that the pose is playful and unique, being a profile with a kicked up leg. The illustration is also stylized but not cartoonish or unsophisticated, and is wonderful example of rendering textures.

This Pamella Roland sketch is unique because the illustrator went with a very stoic profile pose. You don't see profile silhouettes too often because they're difficult to read and really see the garment designs, but that is not the case here. Its a lovely sketch of a beautiful gown.

As you may know my previous NYFW season reviews, I absolutely love illustrations done on craft and construction papers like the Oscar de la Renta sketch (shown above.) The floral pattern, which I'm pretty sure to have been photoshopped or cut and pasted on top is beautiful and I think the mix of white charcoal with pen and/or gauche is a really nice effect on the dark paper base. Highlighting around the croquis is something many designers choose to do, and its interesting to see how the de la Renta and Rachel Roy illustrations both have it but so differently, one in white and the other with heavy marker and conte crayon.

This Wes Gordon illustration is a little more abstract than the others I've chosen this season. I really like the watercolored work and the the overall feel of the illustration makes a nice visual. For more designer sketches straight from the New York collections head over to WWD (that's part one, here's part 2 & part 3.) Which designer made your favorite sketch? Are there any you absolutely loved that you think should have been included here?

(These illustrations were all created by the designers and their design houses, featured on Women's Wear Daily.)

Designer Inauguration Gown Sketches {Michelle Obama}

Women's Wear Daily asked top fashion designers to share sketches of designs they submitted to the East Wing for First Lady Michelle Obama to wear at Monday night's inaugural balls. Since I love peeks at designer sketches I wanted to share and discuss a few. First up is Nicole Miller, with this red pleated strapless gown with a double wrapped gold belt that adds a little modern twist. Whats interesting about this sketch is the illustrator chose to leave the guide lines at the shoulders, waist and hips. These lines are often the base of a fashion illustration to guide the illustrator in creating the correct body angles and movement. (Here's an old post about base sketches and illustration poses.) Normally they're erased and just act as a base to work off, but here they were decidedly left in.

The next First Lady fashion illustration is this lovely white lace gown by Vera Wang. I love the simple contour lines of this illustration. It's also a great example of how simply you could render lace without over illustrating or spending hours drawing tiny floral detailing. Its a minimal sketch yet completely readable, clearly conveying the gown's design.

Next is a sexy pale blue Monique Lhuillier gown. Here you see another example of beautifully rendered lace paired with intricate draping across the bodice. Another illustration element of interest is not one of the illustrations featured here include any facial features. Faces can be tough and I know its something many of my readers stuggle with, so take note of what these designers have done and realize that you do not need to render facial features to have a complete and polished fashion illustration.

To check out more designer illustrations for the First Lady's inauguration gown, and even a few for first daughter's Sasha and Malia, click over to WWD and tune in monday to see who Mrs. Obama chooses to don, my money's on Naeem Kahn or Prabal Gurung.

P.S. Happy Birthday Mrs. Obama!

(Sketches: Women's Wear Daily)

Fabulous Doodles 2012 Gift Guide

I am so excited to share the Fabulous Doodles 2012 gift guide. This year I focused on 5 unique categories; gifts for the entrepreneur/artist with a home office, fashion books with style, gifts for your "label lover" best friend, movies featuring fashion on film, and one of my favorites from last year, gifts for the little artist.

As an illustrator who works from home I can tell you the importance of having a studio/office space that is both functional and chic. An efficient work space has to be both functional and well designed, especially when working from home where its so easily to be distracted. My studio is a constant rotation of beautiful pieces that I've collected over the years.

(1. Brooklit Fashion Illustration Mini Print $6 2. Rock Our Work Agate Bookends $39 3. Brooklit Fashion Illustration Notepad $7 4. Nate Berkus for Target Round Tray $29.99 5. Kate Spade Business Card Case $58 6. West Elm Owl Mug $8 7. Freshly Picked Leather Mouse Pad $35)

Gifting art is a creative and often affordable option, especially with Etsy. My "mini print" fashion illustrations come individually or you could choose a set of three that echo the personality and style of the person you're giving it to and their space. The raw naturally beauty of agate bookends compliment any home office. I bought mine at Home Goods, but found these similar ones online. Other elements that could glam up a work space include trays like this Nate Berkus for Target beauty, which could hold cute little notepads like my "Zoey" fashion illustration pad, bowls of supplies, or a great mug of pens and pencils like the West Elm metallic owl. The geometric printed leather mouse pads are a splurge but well worth it for an everyday essential. And when networking and exchanging cards it's so important to present yourself polished and professional which is why a quality leather business card holder like this gold Kate Spade one is a wonderful gift for any entrepreneur, artist, or designer.

(1. Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington $19 2. Masters of Fashion Illustration by David Downton $19 3. Vogue Covers $91 4. Harper's Bazaar: Greatest Hits by Glenda Bailey $40 5. Survival Kit: Fashion $109 6. 100 Dresses: The Costume Institute/The Met $16.95 7. Brooklit Bookmarks $3.50)

Beautiful books make for a spectacular gift that can be appreciated for years and years. There are so many stunning fashion books available that its hard to choose which to feature. Vogue recently released this great book of vintage covers with an equally great black on black silhouetted cover. Last year I fell in love with a similar book of cover from Harper's Bazaar. For any admirer of fashion illustration David Downton's Masters of Fashion Illustration is must have. Assouline books are gorgeous and this collection of four making up their Fashion Survival Kit would be quite the killer gift. Lastly is Grace, the anticipated memoir of Vogue's Creative Director Grace Coddington. I cannot wait to read this! I'm traveling to Paris for the holidays and thinking is the ideal read for my trip. Need an accessory to the book you're giving? A fashion illustration bookmark would be a great little addition to any of these books.

(1. Chanel Lip Balm $32.50 2. Tom Ford by Tom Ford $85 3. Brooklit Notecard $5 4. Rachel Zoe Ornament $40 5. Alexander Wang Purse $79 (on sale!) 6. Marc by Marc Jacobs iPad Case $98 7. Spun Sugar Paperie Chanel Watercolor Print $19 8. Brian Atwood for Target Leather Gloves $49.99)

Tom Ford, the designer who epitomizes luxury and style also happens to have beautiful bold book that I spot constantly on the shelves of fashion elite in editorial shoots and television. For the designer label lover we all know and love I've also found some affordable giftables. Who knew Chanel made lip balm!? I sure didn't. What a jaw dropping alternative to boring old chapstick. Sending a fashion illustration card featuring a designer label, like the Lazarro gown drawn on my "lucky lady" card is another great little gift, as is Rachel Zoe's chic ornament from the Child Mind Institute's Celebrity Ornament Collection. Designer accessories are always a hit and who wouldn't be thrilled to see a little Alexander Wang, Marc by Marc Jacobs or Brian Atwood under their tree. And last but not least, a wonderful gift that would look great in every girls boudoir, is this lovely print I found on Etsy of a watercolor painting of a classic Chanel perfume.

(1. Coco Before Chanel 2. Valentino: The Last Emperor 3. The September Issue 4. The Thomas Crown Affair 5. Audrey Hepburn Triple Feature 6. The Devil Wears Prada)

Movies make great little gifts for your closest friends to your office secret Santa. Here is a handful of my favorite fashion films great for gifting: Coco Before Chanel is the wonderful story of how Coco Chanel began her career. Valentino The Last Emperor is a the must watch documentary that I've gushed about here before. The September Issue documents the making of Vogue's biggest issue of the year and features Creative Director Grace Coddington who steels the show. You can't help but be in awe of her heartfelt passion, creativity and integrity. The 1999 Thomas Crown Affair remake showcases a flawless wardrobe worn by Renee Russo, which was primarily designed by Michael Kors for Celine and Halston. The triple feature dvd of Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy and Edith Head, well really, enough said. And lastly the Devil Wears Prada which I actually once gave to a fashion industry boss as a holiday gift! (He loved it.)

(1. The Fashion Coloring Book by Carol Chu $9 2. Jonathan Adler Whale Eraser $9.95 3. Fashion Origami $9 4. Met Kids Sketchpad $7.99 5. Play-Doh $8 6. Fingerprint Art Set $10)

For the little artist in your life how about giving this chic fashion coloring book? And if they're concerned with staying in the lines then the giant Jonathan Adler whale eraser will do the trick. Fashion origami!? So much better than the fortune tellers and stars we used to make. The MetKids Chunky Sketchpad is a great gift for any little artist to get their sketch on and a classic set of Play-Doh is heaven for those who like to work with their hands and create. And last but not least a wonderful little craft set that helps you turn your fingerprints into fancy little fairies.

Hope you enjoyed this years gift picks. Will you be picking up any as gifts? Happy shopping and hope you all have a fabulous holiday!

Designer Fashion Illustrations from NYFW

One of the best things about New York Fashion Week for me is when designers release their sketches. I've always loved comparing and contrasting the various drawing techniques, mediums, and styles used throughout the industry. It could also be a fantastic source of inspiration and jumping board to try something new in your own fashion illustrations. For example, I find Kelly Wearstler's painted fashion illustration (above right) on a dark textured paper so strikingly beautiful it makes me want to whip out the paint and gauche. The faint white brush strokes framing the figure makes the illustration pop right off the paper, its such great effect. And Jenny Packham's sketch (above left) is quite different but stands out as well showing how minimal stylized pencil lines can also convey a strong design. 

The Calvin Klein sketch is clearly a stylistic extreme being a watercolored silhouette but it certainly has a lovely effect and could act as a great exercise idea.  The Diane Von Furstenberg illustration (above right) has a charming and playful look. I love the layering of garments and accessories within the stylized sketch. 

Last but certainly not least is my newest favorite designer, Rachel Zoe. The sharp pen outlines, blunt coloring, and elongated figure give this drawing an attitude that truly resinates with her spring 13' collection as well as the established brand esthetic. 

We'll have wait till February for the next batch of sketches from designer collections because today was a wrap for New York Fashion Week's spring/summer 2013 collections at Lincoln Center. These were my favorite designer sketches from the season, how about yours?

(The fashion illustrations displayed here were all created and released by each designer, or design house, from their spring/summer 2013 collection.)

July 4th Costume Sketches

Hope everyone is having a fabulous 4th of July! This year I thought it would be fun to feature costume designer illustrations (you know I can't resist a costume design!) that emanate that forth of July spark. First up is none other than costume design living legend Bob Mackie. Over his illustrious career Mackie sketched and made countless costumes for Cher. This one in particular with long beaded and feathered fringe in red, whites and blue, seems especially appropriate today.

Next up are two fantastic costume designs by William Travilla for Marilyn Monroe. The sketch on the left is probably Marilyn's most iconic and identifiable costume from the film The Seven Year Itch. The red sequined on the right is a design Travilla created for Marilyn in Gentlemen Prefer Blonds. Take note of how meticulously detailed the rendering of that beading is!

What forth of July costume post would be complete without Wonder Woman!? This working sketch by Donfeld (aka. Donald Lee Feld) was for Linda Carter. Donfeld was the costume designer for all three seasons of the Wonder Woman television series and was even nominated for a Emmy in costume design for his work on the show in 1978.

Hope everyone has a great forth of July in or out of costume! I'm heading over to the Hudson River for the Macy's fireworks with some of my girlfriends. Let you know if I spot any Wonder Women out there. ;)

2012 Olympic Uniform Designs

The 2012 London Olympics are just around the corner, which means we'll soon be tuning in to see athletes from across the globe sporting new designer uniforms. A slew of top fashion designers have designed official team uniforms for the 2012 opening and closing ceremonies, Olympic village and the actual games. Through extensive research (aka. googling) I have found a few uniform sketches to share straight from the designers. First up is Team USA designed by none other than American designer Ralph Lauren. 

Lauren's team USA uniforms (shown in both images above) are classic RL, with clean cut polo's and preppy shirt dresses in white and navy blue with hints of red. Italian athletes will be decked out in much sportier head-to-toe looks from Prada (as shown below) and Giorgio Armani, who at the the reveal of his uniforms said "this will be the most fashion Olympic games ever."

In addition to Ralph, Prada and Armani, other designer uniforms we can expect to see at the London Olympics are by Stella McCartney for Great Britain, and Cedella Marley (daughter of Bob Marley) for Jamaica. (Fingers crossed they'll release their sketches as well! You know I love a designer sketch and its nice seeing rare men fashion illustrations.)

Talk with Tom Ford

This past tuesday night I had the pleasure of attending a "Talk with Tom Ford" at the upper east side's renowned 92nd Street Y. As a self proclaimed fashion nerd, it was surreal to sit and watch the Tom Ford talk about everything from being bullied as a child for carrying a briefcase in lieu of a messy backpack, to his unprecedented reign at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, meeting Richard Buckley the love of his life 25 years ago, to his stint at retirement before diving back into womenswear to start his own collection inspired by the 30 most inspiring women in his life. (Including the likes of Julianne Moore, Beyonce, Lauren Hutton and Marisa Berenson.)

Tom talked a lot about the mentors in his life and the advice given to him that he's always valued, such as "only hire people you want to have dinner with" which he learned form Dawn Mello and "you have one decision to make in life, you can either be happy or not be happy" which was his grandma "Duckie's" motto.

Even talking about being an anal Virgo, Tom oozed charisma and charm.  He was entertaining, funny, and seductive in the way he answered questions and played off the audience. Fern Mallis even said how we were quite the lucky crowd because her inbox had been filled for days and her phone ringing off the hook with friends asking for tickets for the event which sold out instantly over four months ago. A second room had to be opened for people to watch a live-stream of the talk on screens. (The only other luminary the Y has ever offered that for was for Woody Allen!)



Ford shared so many wonderful insights into his life and career which I took many notes on but couldn't possibly write about it all. I manage to sneek these two photos, but for a more detailed recap of the event you can check out this Womens Wear Daily article and watch the video montage of highlights (above) that Fern Mallis shared a few days ago. A few of my highlights were:

-The influence of Halston on his designs (especially his early work), and Madame Vionnet on Halstons. Because "the art of creativity is concealing your source." -Coco Chanel

-He talked about the fact that people don't realize how hard people work in fashion, and with such passion. Its not appreciated or understood by those outside of the industry.

-Being at the helm of the Gucci Group and deciding what designers he admired and had potential but didn't conflict with his designs, eventually picking Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Nicolas Ghesquiere.

-Gwyneth Paltrow at this years Oscars was one of his favorite fashion moments. He loved that she was brave enough to wear it and it was a proud moment.

It was a fabulous night and one that I will not soon forget. (Right up there with attending the Vogue fashion show and being commissioned to sketch for Barbie at NYFW.) How often you walk into a Y filled with air kissing fashion folk and sit in audience among such notable industry people as Glenda Bailey, Valerie Steele, Dawn Mello, Cathy Hardwick, Renaldo Barnette (whom I brought as my dapper date), Aaron Potts (another talented friend) and designer Brandon Sun, to name a just few, and get to listen to a fashion design genius talk for nearly 2 hours. I'm still on a fashion high, and it was three nights ago!

New Print: Meet Mae

Meet Mae, the latest print added to my Brooklit Etsy shop. This look was inspired by a uniquely draped Zac Posen dress I spotted on Shopbop. The detail I found most enticing about the dress is gathered rounded godets along a dropped waistline that form a full skirt. Rounding out the godet tops is something I've never seen before and was inspired to incorporate it into one of "my girls."

I named her Mae because it just seemed to fit her soft and coy demeanor. Doesn't she look like she's just standing in a corner daydreaming about her future first love? To purchase a print or to see Mae in more detail, click here for the full listing in my shop.

College Sketches: Val & Bridget

I'm excited to share these sketches I drew years ago in a college model drawing class (at FIT) as well as offer them as new prints in my shop. What made me want to revisit some of my college class work was something that someone recently posted on my Facebook fan page. They asked if I was ever going to draw "real women" who were not a size zero. Although I myself am no where near that size, it is my illustrative style to draw very elongated, albeit unrealistic, fashion figures.

These two fashion illustrations however were drawn from plus size models. The models posed for us for the overall stance and attitude of the sketch, then we drew garments on them based off images of our choosing. I went with two Valentino designs from a magazine editorial. The little black dress drawn on "Val" (aptly named after Valentino;) is from a 1997 collection and the elaborate taupe mini dress and feathered bag on "Bridget" are from a 2002 collection. (Luckily I had made notes besides the sketches so I can share the source info with you.) Hope you like these illustrations from my college archives.

Fashion Week Highlights

For years I've had the pleasure of participating in one way or another in New York Fashion Week. (Ever since my college days when I worked as volunteer with my bff setting up shows and dressing models backstage.) Since then I usually attend a show, party and/or event here and there. This season however, for the fall 2012 collections, I was honored to be invited to a handful of events and was even hired to create some illustrations. It was a fabulous fashion-filled week and although I'm a little late here I wanted to share some my highlights.

Fashion week began for me at a tweet-up in the Amex Skybox with the lovely Samantha Yanks, Editor in Chief of Gotham and Hamptons Magazine. Its always a treat to speak with editors and hear what they're excited about but especially so when its one so in tune with New York, and who also has an insanely impressive resume. Samantha previously worked for Vogue and O Magazine, so she's a fellow former Hearst girl. I also learned that she is a fashion illustration enthusiast. Samantha kindly shared a instagram snapshot of my cards with her followers while we gabbed about our obsession with Pinterest.

Immediately after the Skybox I headed downstairs in the tents (yes, fashion week tents are large enough to have a stairs and a second floor viewing lounge) to attend what was possibly one of the best fashion week parties I've ever gone to, "Fashion Night In" sponsored by Mercedes-Benz and P.S. I made this. Why was this party so fantastic you may ask? At first glance it seemed like any other fashion party with cocktails and horderves abound and countless well dressed fashion-folk. But then, in the center of the space was a huge crafting table! And what did we get to craft with, actual Mercedes leather that's normally used to upholster cars!

I was in fashion-diy-heaven sipping champagne while punching studs into leather. I made a collar necklace of leather and tulle, a studded wrap bracelet, and even took some leather home to make tassel keychains for my bags (shown above.) Then after my crafting bliss I got to meet the one and only Jonathan Adler! My dad is an avid potter, and I've been a huge fan of Jonathan's since he opened his first store in 1998. I was so excited to finally meet him, have a little chat and take a photo (above) with him. (Jonathan chose my Eva sketch.)

Another exciting aspect to this soiree was the coat check, it was a "Barbie's Dream Closet" sponsored coat check, which got me even more excited for my Barbie sketches to make their appearance the next day at Barbie's Dream Closet event. The Fashion Night In party was simply wonderful and the icing on the cake was the fantastic swag bag I got to leave with, with a Naeem Kahn silk scarf and 8 new bottles of Essie nail polish created just for NYFW. (Gotta love a great swag bag!)

The next afternoon was my most personally exciting NYFW event because my sketches were displayed for Barbie's Dream Closet at Lincoln Center. (Which I already gushed about and shared more pictures in a previous post.) What I didn't mention, was that aside from the Barbie "headshots" they also had me draw Barbie hands for their manicure bar that featured the different mani options that editors, celebs, and VIP guests such as Nigel Barker (above) and their little girls could choose from, like a Barbie a glitter french mani or a Barbie pink ombre manicure.

The following day I headed back to Lincoln Center bright at early for the 8AM Nicole Ferrari show. Between shows while strolling around the tents and I ended up bumping into an old friend (below) whom I interned with at Saturday Night Live a million years ago, as well as Robert Verdi, my very first boss post college. After some catching up it was time for Vera Wang!

Like Barbie, the Vera Wang show was another star-studded event, Renee Zellweger and Leighton Meester were directly across the runway from me. Also front row was Anna Wontour, Oscar nominee Viola Davis, and Maria Sharapova. Vera showed a lovely collection of gauzy separates in neutral tones with pops of orange and ice blue. I've been searching for some Vera sketches from the collection to share, but it seems like Vera Wang gang hasn't released any.

Later that afternoon I stopped by the Accessories Council Accessory Lounge to support my friend, publicist and Moxie tastemaker, Jono. I chowed down on these adorable cupcakes made by Dana Herbert, TLC's Next Great Baker Winner, and ended up reconnecting with another old friend, "Curvy Girl" Patty Hughes. Needless to say it was a very eventful NYFW day.

The last highlight of my fashion week was the Levi's fashion show. This one was off-site, down in Soho loft, which was a nice change of scenery. The event opened with a Levi's themed art installation followed by the runway show. It was a fun show with a very downtown retro vibe. After the show I once again bumped into Patty which was a great surprise. We were having such a nice time mingling and gabbing that we decided to hit up C Wonder (my new favorite store, thank you Patty!) in lieu of rushing uptown for the next show. I mean there will always be another show and another fashion week right?

Fashion Week: Designer Sketches {Fall 2012}

(BGBG and Rachel Roy)

Today was the last day of the shows for the fall 2012 New York collections so what better day than today to post some of my favorite designer fashion illustrations from this season. It always interests me to pool different designers sketches and see their take on illustrating.

(Rebecca Minkoff, Tibi, Chris Benz)

Although my personal style of illustrating tends to be very detailed and fully rendered I absolutely love the sketchy quality of the illustrations from designers Rachel Roy and Rebecca Minkoff. And the style of the light weight pen sketches from both Tibi and Chris Benz (shown above) are such a fun and whimsical take on illustration.

(James Coviello, Elie Tahari and NHAM)

This James Coviello illustration (above left) displays such great fabric rendering and its always nice to see some bright colors incorporated into a fall palette. And I love that the NAHM sketch (above right) combines two different rendering techniques, simple pencil sketching for the body, and a markered technique for the clothing. Its such a striking combination, I may even try it out myself soon.

(Tracy Reese, Nicole Miller and DKNY)

Last but certainly not least is a fun profile illustration from Tracy Resse which appears be a computer generated illustration. (Which brings back haunting memories of FIT and CAD classes! I'm a pencil-to-paper kind of girl.) The chic 70's inspired girl in the middle is from one of my best friends Renaldo Barnette, for Nicole Miller's fall collection. It always amazes me how he can channel so much attitude and energy without showing the face or eyes, like in this fabulous illustration. And lastly is a "doodlesque" loose sketch from DKNY.

I'm working on a post wrapping my fashion week excursions since last weekend's Barbie excitement but in the mean time I hope you enjoy these girls. Which is your favorite and why?

(Designer illustrations from Pantone and Stylist)

Costume Design by Vera Wang {Bride Wars}

As you probably know, I love finding costume design sketches. Combine that with a wedding and I'm in heaven. I recently found this Vera Wang bridal sketch for Kate Hudson in the romantic comedy Bride Wars. I've always loved this dress and actually have it in a file for future "sketch-spiration" for BrooklitBride. Doesn't Kate's "bridal beauty" in this film just scream draw me. (Maybe one day I will and we'll see how my version compares with Ms. Wangs.)

Costume Designs {The Hunger Games}

Hello Katniss Everdeen! InStyle contacted designers to come up looks for Katniss' show stopping fire costume for the opening ceremony scene. One of my closest friends, designer Renaldo Barnette, has been freelancing for Nicole Miller and got to take a stab at this costume design project. (Being a bit of a Hunger Games fanatic, I think I may have been more excited about it than he was!)

(Nicole Miller)

Although I may be bias, I think Renaldo really hit the nail on the head with this one! He truly captured her fierce transformation into a strong and beautiful woman while maintaining her essence (with her signature braid) and the drama of the moment with the cape and headpiece.

(Rachel Roy)

Rachel Roy's interpretation is also a stunning illustration, however it may be a little too avant garde. (If anything could be avant garde in "the Capital.")

(Charolette Ronson)

The Hunger Games is currently filming and I can't wait to see it and soak up more of Peeta, Gale, and Katniss. If you'd like to see more of the designer costume designs, check out InStyle.

(Tibi and BCBG)

This trilogy is one of my recent faves and I'm thrilled its being brought to the silver screen. Hopefully there will more more costume design illustrations leaking out as well.