Fashion Illustrations of Party Guests {Part 1}

Last week I participated in a fabulous party/event where I sat and live sketched quickie fashion illustrations of party guests. My illustration table turned out to be quite the hit of the party and resulted in some fun and fashionable new sketches, like the one shown above of Kimberly, the lovely author of Eat.Sleep.Wear. I did share (via Twitter & Instagram) a few pictures of illustrations fresh off my sketchbook that night but thought I'd feature some more of my favorites here on Fabulous Doodles.

This "Midsummer Soiree" was thrown by Cameo PR as thank to the NY based editors and fashion bloggers whom they work with on a daily basis. I was only signed on to draw guests for 1.5-2 hours but my table got so crowded and I had such a long list of party guests wanting an illustration that I ended up staying and sketching just over 3 hours without getting up even once! It was a challenge to capture each guest in a such a small time frame but I tried to zero in on something that made them unique and made their personality and style shine through. For some it was their edgy summer party frocks and rocking attitude, like Kim's cheetah print silk shorts and dark shades, or Dawn's classic LBD and giant quilted Chanel bag.

 As for other guests/models it was their demeanor and pose witch made their personality come through in the drawings. The top two friends wanted to be drawn together and I loved how their two summer dress looks complimented one another as well their stance. Sarah (in the middle above) was adorable in her preppy "anchor pants" and I tried to capture her preppy-chic style in a comparable fun and flirty pose.

My live party guest sketching station was certainly a success, guests were thrilled with their illustrations and I plan share more sketches from the event later in the week. For rates to sketch at your event you can email me at FabulousDoodles@gmail.com.

(All images and illustrations: Brooke Hagel)

Blush Band Wardrobe Styling

Months ago I was thrilled to be contacted by the manager of the pan Asian pop girl group Blush to collaborate on their wardrobe and styling. I ended up sketching each band member in a wardrobe illustration that fit her personality, taste and comfort level while complimenting one another and staying true to a monochromatic palette of "blush" pink, black and white. Each girl truly has her own unique styling esthetic. Angeli's a girly girl who loves lace, Victoria likes tight and tailored with a elegant and preppy vibe, Ji Hae is uber-blingy and hasn't met a sequin she hasn't liked, Natsuko is edgy and likes a touch of masculinity, and Alisha favors fun urban looks and can't live without her hoops!

This was such a fun project to work on. The Blush girls were a joy to work with and I'm excited to see them grow. Blush is already making history. Blush are the only singers to date to, from Asia, to have their first two singles hit #3 (Undivided featuring Snoop Dogg) and #1 (Dance On) on the US Billboard chart. Now maybe their styling will be a hit too!? You can check out Blush here on iTunes.

Which Blush girl's style resignates with you? I'm a Victoria/Angeli mix myself.

(Illustration by: Brooke Hagel)

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. ;)

Amy Atlas Dessert Table {July 4th}

Just in time for 4th of July festivities I'd like to share a dessert tablescape I sketched for sweets stylist Amy Atlas' Access Hollywood segment last week. Although I'm a fashion illustrator at heart, its always fun to take on other illustration projects, like this perfect Independence Day dessert table complete with red, white and blue "snowcone" cupcakes, mini pies, sparkers, and a patriotic trifle (<-personally my favorite element of the table!)

I met the lovely Amy Atlas a few months ago while out with a mutual friend. Amy and I hit it off right away and have since worked together a handful of little projects. You can pick up Amy's book Sweet Designs for more of her impressive confectionary creations and check out her blog for a closer look at elements of this table and other creative dessert table designs.

Custom Bridal Fashion Illustration {Wedding Gift}

Today on the first day of summer, or wedding season as I've come to know it, I'd like to share examples of my go-to wedding gift, an original custom bridal fashion illustration. The commonality that these brides share is that their custom sketches were all given as a wedding gift, plus I happen to know them each personally.

(Photo: Gulnara Studio. Gabrielle Bridal Illustration: Brooke Hagel)

The first blond bombshell here was given her custom bridal illustration as a surprise present from our mutual friend. The lace bustier and satin mermaid skirt is actually the first custom bride I've been commissioned to draw wearing separates and I think its such a striking look!

(Photo & Sari Bridal Illustration: Brooke Hagel)

The next bride is my beautiful bohemian cousin in a head-to-hem opened back lace gown. After attending her wedding last summer I couldn't wait to get work drawing her. The wow factor for me was her beautiful hair, which was worn in such a editorial/high-fashion style with a beaded headpiece and loose tendrils. She also carried a voluminous wild flower bouquet that I loved incorporating into the illustration, which normally I avoid, but this one just enhanced her whole boho bridal look.

(Ariel Bride Illustration: Brooke Hagel)

Last but not least is another friend that gifted the illustration as a wedding present. She however opted to give a gift certificate the day of the wedding (for a custom illustration) so I could then work directly with the bride throughout the design process. Her slinky silk gown with delicate floral embellishments was ideal for her long lean figure and the beach destination wedding.

To get started on a custom bridal illustration, read more about my process or to give one as a gift to a special bride in your life, check out the custom listings in Brooklit Bride or click here if you'd like to give a gift certificate for a custom illustration.

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.)