Television Debut

Last week, just two days before the royal wedding and the unveiling of "the dress" my illustrations made their television debut on the Nate Berkus Show. I was asked by Nate's producers to collaborate with fashion journalist Louise Roe to illustrate our prediction for Kate Middleton's wedding gown. (My goodness were we close! I couldn't believe it when I saw Kate step out of the car.)

A little insider info here, things in tv-land move very quickly. It all happened one afternoon about a month ago when Nate's producers called me about the "Royal Wedding" episode they were working on and said they'd love include me in the dress segment of the show with Louise. Needless to say I was thrilled and instantly signed on. A few hours later Louise called me to chat about ideas for the sketches. I then had only till morning to draw my heart out and send the illustrations on over to the show. Although the episode was not scheduled to tape until the following week, the producers needed my sketches well in advance so that the computer techs could work their magic and transform my illustrations into a animated 3-d composite.

From the moment Louise and I first spoke we were on the same page about what we speculated for Kate's wedding gown. We reviewed designs I previously featured here, talked about our visions and I even texted her a picture of some rough sketches in the middle of the night, just so she could see how it was coming along since there was certainly not much time for changes.

Kate has a clear style of classic-traditional. Louise and I agreed that the overall silhouette of her gown would be a simple A-line but large enough to not get swallowed by the cathedral setting. She'd have long lace sleeves and her shoulders and chest would be covered as well. The design would be "modest," and not revealing or inappropriate. It would include couture detailing such as a perfectly contoured and fitted bodice with hand embroidery and/or lace appliqué along the bottom of the skirt and along the train. We also included a delicate and simple tiara, beaded waistband, and a polished and modern bouquet of white flowers and greenery. We knew her dress, train and veil would be beautiful, but certainly nowhere near as opulent as Diana’s.

It was such a thrill to collaborate with Louise, I've been such a admirer of hers and have actually turned many of my "fashion friends"on to her by sending her vogue.com video and her website. I have also been a avid Nate follower ever since he first stepped onto Oprah’s stage 9 years ago. (A little while back I gushed about him here.)

I know I'll never forget the feeling I had sitting in the audience beside my friend Renaldo and my mom (who actually happened to be visiting from California that same week,) and at the risk of sounding cheesy, it really was a "Secret" moment. I honestly feel like I put it out there, and look what happened. Seeing my fashion illustrations on television was incredible and I just know its the first of many. (But how lucky am I that Nate was my first. ;) When the show aired last week my mom sent me a text saying she was crying with pride. I picked up the phone and called her, but she promptly hung up on me because "the show was on!"

For a closer look at all the sketches you can click on over to the Nate Berkus Show website. I'm working on a new illustration based off Kate's real look from the wedding, which I'll share and add to my etsy shop soon. (Sorry if I rambled on, I normally try to keep posts short!)

Nate n' Kate

I'm so excited to share with you that Brooke Hagel Illustrations will be discussed on national television on the Nate Berkus Show's "Live Like Royalty" episode!

I was asked by the lovely producers to collaborate with uber-fabulous fashion journalist and stylist extraordinaire Louise Roe to illustrate her predictions for Kate Middleton's wedding gown. I was thrilled to be asked to work on a segment for Nate to begin with, but when I found out all the details and that I'd be working with Louise, and on a bridal illustration of the soon-to-be princess, it was just to good to be true.

("Crowns & Coronets" wallpaper by Graham & Brown, designed in honor of Kate and William's upcoming nuptials.)

So set those dvr's, tune in to the Nate Berkus show, and let me know what you think of my sketches! The show airs wednesday, April 27th on NBC. (Party planner to the stars Colin Cowie will be on as well! I'm also hiding in the audience with my mom, who happened to be in town the week the show taped, and my friend Renaldo.)

Bridal Collage Print: Bouquet of Brides

A while back I put together a collage of a select sampling of my bridal fashion illustrations. I've finally framed it to show the print in its best light. The print, which I'm calling "Bouquet of Brides" is available for purchase in my shop Brooklit Bride.

(Picture frame Pottery Barn, and wallpaper Graham & Brown)

W Happenings

Like most New Yorkers, I typically steer clear of Times Square but last week I headed there for a breakfast with fellow fashion and style bloggers (which I'll tell you more about in a future post.) While mingling and handing out my business cards someone told me about a fashion illustration exhibit just across the street in the Living Room of the W Hotel.

"W Happenings Presents Drawing Inspiration: Ladies of the Night" is fabulous series of fashion illustration paintings featuring faculty and students of the Fashion Institute of Technology. (Which just so happens to be my alma mater.)

The first piece I spotted I immeadiately identified as the work of Steven Stipelman, who I've featured here a few times. (Here and here) Stipelman works in a distinctive painterly style and his fashion illustrations ooze elegant sophistication.

In addition to Stipelman, there were many other fashion illustrators exhibited. I absolutely fell in love with the drippy technique and style of the first two pieces shown at the top of this post by Meagan Morrison.

Drawing Inspiration: Ladies of the Night will remain on display through May 3, 2011. I highly suggest stopping by, maybe even grab a drink at the bar and soak up the fashion illustration fabulousness.

New Fashion Illustration Prints

I am thrilled to announce new prints have been added to Brooklit, my Etsy shop of original fashion illustrations. Meet Kate, Eva and Maggie.

Over the past few months I've been so busy with client projects, freelancing and setting up my bridal illustration shop, Brooklit Bride, that I can't even remember the last time I added a new girl to the Brooklit mix. Well now I have not one, but three new beauties for sale.

A few weeks back I was asked to submit work to Harper's Bazaar. I was so excited that I decided to take the time to sit down and create some new fresh sketches especially for Bazaar. In the end they decided to go with one of my bride illustrations (featured here). Even though these three girls were not chosen by Bazaar I think they came out pretty well and am pleased to add them to the shop.

To take a closer look you can click on: Kate, Eva or Maggie. I think Kate is my current favorite, what about you?

(Wallpaper by Graham & Brown)

Custom Fashion Illustration Giveaway

Today I'm announcing a huge giveaway, to win a Brooke Hagel custom illustration valued at $350! Since wedding season is approaching and my second Etsy shop, Brooklit Bride, is still fairly new, I thought this would be a great way to get people to check the shop while thanking you, my readers, for all your support.

The winner gets a custom illustration based on their own photos. Don't worry, it's not limited to brides. I can illustrate you in your favorite gown, your grandmother on her wedding day back in the 40's, or your niece or daughter in her bat-mitzvah or sweet sixteen dress. You can also gift the prize to your closest girlfriend, to commemorate her special day.

To enter simply:

-Make sure that your a Fabulous Doodles follower (by clicking the "Follow" link on the sidebar.)

-Check out my new Etsy bridal shop BrooklitBride then come on back here and leave a comment with which bride is your favorite.

-If you'd like to enter twice give this giveaway a shout out on your blog then comment here with the link.

-To enter a third time tweet a link to this post with the hashtag #giveaway then comment here again saying "tweeted" with your twitter handle.

-This giveaway is open until midnight Thursday, March 31st. The winner will be chosen through random.org, will be contacted via email and announced here on April 2nd. Good luck!

Side note: Hello to my fellow BYWers! This giveaway post happens to be my "Week 3" homework assignment for my Blogging Your Way e-class with the amazing Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring. Can't wait to see what awaits for week 4! :)