Live Fashion Illustrations for Vogue & Joie

Last week I live illustrated at another fabulous Vogue magazine soiree, this time a holiday fete with Joie at their gorgeous new shop downtown in Soho. (Coincidently its directly across the street from Piperlime, the spot of the last Vogue party I live illustrated at!) This was a much smaller more intimate party and I actually got to sketch some dashing men this time, as you can see in the photos above.

It was really a fun little holiday party. Live fashion illustrating can be a little nerve wracking but with chic party guests like these to sketch and lovely people to work with like the team from Vogue, its an honor and a pleasure and all trepidation fades fast. 

(Photos and fashion illustrations by Brooke Hagel)

Gap Fashion Illustrations for InStyle Party

Two weeks ago I was hired to create some fashion illustrations for an event with Gap and InStyle magazine! Being a huge fan of both powerhouse brands I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to sketch for them. 

The project involved two parts, first I had to create sketches in advance of the party that would be scaled up and printed out as posters to adorn the interactive art wall/step and repeat that guests would see when they arrived at the NYC flagship store event. The second part was, while everyone was mingling, I live sketched the event hosts; Kimberly Pesch of Eat.Sleep.Wear (shown with her sketch below), Christine Cameron of My Style Pill and DJ Harley Viera Newton. 

All the Gap fashion illustrations shown throughout this post were inspired by the "Outfit's We Love" spotlighted on Gap.com. They're a bright mix of cozy and luxe layers styled with plaids, stripes and colorful basics. Throughout the event I live sketched the three hosts who were decked out in head to toe Gap looks as well. As each sketch was completed it was added to the art wall so guests could take a look and snap some pics. 

This was such a great evening with such positive feedback from all the guests including my [possibly bias] little brother and 90 year old grandma, the fabulous hosts as well as the teams from InStyle and Gap! It really was such a fun event to be a part of and I'm excited to share the sketches and photos. 

(Photo's by Gap and InStyle, Illustrations by Brooke Hagel) 

Fashion Illustrations for InStyle & Gap

I'm so excited to share my recent sketches for Gap and InStyle! You're invited to come tomorrow night and see my fashion illustrations of some of Gap's "Outfit's We ♥." You can snap a picture with my sketches on the Gap Art Wall, as well as say hello and watch me sketch the two super stylish hosts of the evening, Kimberly Pesch of Eat.Sleep.Wear and Christine Cameron of My Style Pill.

Where: Gap, 60 West 34th Street @ Broadway 

When: Tursday Dec. 6th 6:30-8:30

RSVP: INSTYLE_GAP@TIMEINC.COM

Enjoy cocktails, treats, fashion illustrations and 30% off your purchases! Hope to see you there! 

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!

Holiday Sale!

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday and are all fueled up to get your shopping on. To kick of the holiday season I'm offering 15% off in both my fashion illustration Etsy shops starting today, Black Friday into Small Business Saturday and right through Cyber Monday. Simply use coupon code "Holiday15" for 15% off in either my fashion illustration shop Brooklit, or my bridal illustration shop Brooklit Bride.

(Illustration by Brooke Hagel)

New Holiday Cards

I'm excited to share my new fashion illustration holiday card collection with you. I really enjoyed sketching the girls in this collection. To keep the illustrations playful I tried to add festive elements like Santa hats, chicly wrapped presents, and of corse inspiring fashion like my favorite look from NY Fashion Week the Oscar de la Renta black and white striped gown or the bow backed Christian Louboutins (shown below left.)

Before I could even post about them here on Fabulous Doodles they've been selling out faster than Missoni for Target. Friends, family and colleagues have been snapping them up before I could even add them to the shop!

I switched it up with this year's collection by pairing the cards with beautiful metallic gold envelopes. I'm having quite a gold loving moment right now, plus the gold really compliments the colors in the illustrations. If I do say so myself! ;)

To purchase a card or see the rest of my holiday collection check out my Etsy shop Brooklit. I'll be adding a few more cards over the next week or two and am currently accepting orders for large quantities.

Brave's Merida Inspired by Fashion Illustration?

My favorite fashion illustration, Vogue seems to have found her celebrity look-a-like in Brave's Princess Merida, the latest creation to come from the Disney Imagineers and Pixar. From the first time I saw a promo for Brave I though she was a dead on doppelgänger of my loved sketch. Perhaps one of the Imagineers was inspired by my work!? (A girl can dream.) Vogue with her wild curly hair and big blue eyes has always been dear to me. She's actually the very first illustration I drew to open my Etsy shop with back in 2007 and the only fashion illustration of mine I have framed and hung in my home. 

Today Brave is being released on blu-ray and dvd, and I just may have to pick up a copy or rent it as I can't resist a Disney Princess. Up until now The Little Mermaid's Ariel has always been my favorite but who knows maybe after seeing Brave it will be Merida. Who's your favorite Disney Princess? 

(Still shot from Brave by Disney/Pixar, and illustration by Brooke Hagel) 

Anna Karenina Inspired Banana Republic

This week the Anna Karenina Collection debuts at Banana Republic and with it comes the release of these sketches of select looks from the line. You know I can't resist chic sketches and ones with costume design tie ins, well those practically guarantee a Fabulous Doodles feature. I've been looking forward to Anna Karenina ever since first seeing the trailer months ago. Being a epic period piece, the costumes and overall film design look spectacular and worth the movie ticket alone. This BR collection is actually curated by the film's costume designer Jacqueline Durran.

The sketches are extremely stylized and seem to be done in heavy-handed, quick and sketchy technique. They remind me of the prints that are occasionally displayed in stores like BR, Club Monaco and Ann Taylor. To check out the whole Anna Karenina collection click on over to Banana Republic. (Of corse the one piece I really wanted, the BR Monogram Wool Cape, seems to be sold out already!) At least I can enjoy the sketches for now and anticipate Banana's next collaboration another with Janie Bryant and Mad Men.

(Sketches by Simon Kneen, Creative Director of Banana Republic)

Halloween Dessert Table Sketch

Its quite an odd Halloween having just had one of the largest storms ever on record rip through the east coast wreaking such havoc on the city, but I'm pleased to report I'm safe and sound and live in a part of Manhattan that wasn't hit so badly by Hurricane Sandy. Unlike many of my friends and family I was lucky enough not to loose power an have been able to stay home. Thank you to all who reached out with concerning calls, emails, facebook messages and tweets!

A few weeks ago I was commissioned by Amy Atlas to sketch another of her exquisite dessert tables for Halloween (last one was for July 4th.) This design was to be used for a segment Amy was planning for a national television segment. Unfortunately the segment was cut due to the hurricane but Amy posted the illustration and all the elements that her and her talented team concocted for it. They even posted templates you can download and recipes (like Bewitching Bark) to make some of the elements yourself.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween and maybe this dessert table illustration will inspire my displaced neighbors, friends and family to enjoy a treat during this trying time.

Lash Menu Illustrations

I'm excited to share these new "lash menu" sketches I was commissioned to draw for Lash Affair Lounge. They asked me to illustrate an assortment of lash extensions offered in the new salon. I had no idea you could get lash looks ranging from a natural, soft and pretty lash boost, like "The Beauty" shown above, to intense dramatic fullness like "The Diva" shown below.

Whats funny for me about illustrating a lash menu is that I was taught not to draw tiny details like eyelashes, nails or teeth in fashion illustrations. In the past few years, especially with all my bridal illustration clients and the dramatic lash making a comeback, I've rebelled and began adding lashes to my sketches but I have to admit I feel guilty every time and wonder what my professors would say. Crazy right! (Its true, every-single-time I sketch a lash I see FIT Professor Steven Stipleman shaking his head at me.)

This was my first foray into illustrating a lash menu (hair and nails, I've drawn a few.) I'm really proud of how all these lashy ladies came out and I'm pretty sure the client, Lash Affair Lounge, loves them as well. Now I just need to get myself up to Edmonton Cananda to try out their lash services like mink lash extensions. I mean how luxuriously Oprah would that be? Fingers crossed theres a Lash Affair Lounge hitting Manhattan in the not so distant future because my lashes could use a boost.

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. 

Party Guest Illustrations for Vogue & Piperlime {Part 2}

Time for more fashion illustrations from my live-sketching at the Piperlime store preview party hosted by Vogue. Sorry its taken so long to post part two, September turned out to be a crazy month! This was such a fabulous event to be a part of and resulted in some great illustrations to add to my portfolio of live event sketches.

There was quite the spectrum of sketchable models (aka. chic party guests) in attendance to preview the beautiful new Piperlime Soho store. I got to sketch everyone from fashion bloggers, Vogue staffers and Piperlime shoe designers to teachers and private jet flight attendants! Everyone seemed to love their sketches and were thrilled to be taking them home as a custom favor.  

It was truly an honor to be hired by Vogue and Piperlime to sketch at this event and hopefully it will be the first many. To see more sketches and the guests that inspired them, check out Part 1, and afterwards you can even click over to this Piperlime video covering the event and see if you can spot some of the guests I drew. (I spotted 6!)

For questions about my live-sketching or you're interested in my rates for your next corporate event or private party you can email me at FabulousDoodles@gmail.com.

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.)

Party Guest Fashion Illustrations for Vogue & Piperlime {Part 1}

A few nights ago I was honored to work for Vogue and Piperlime illustrating guests at an exclusive preview party for the very first Piperlime store, here in Manhattan. The beautiful new store was packed with designer labels, lust worthy shoes and jewelry, and hundreds of guests all eager to have their outfits captured in a custom fashion illustration.

I want to share some of my models (aka. Vogue & Piperlime party guests) here along with the quickie sketches they inspired and got to take home as a custom party favor. The guests were all so great to draw in their fun and flirty end-of-summer party dresses.

Throughout the party I was busy sketching away while chatting with my models/guests but afterwards on my way uptown, I shared via Twitter and Instagram (@Brooklit) a few snapshots from the night, also shown below.

Later in the week as I'll be posting more favorite sketches, guests and photos from my memorable night with Vogue and Piperlime, so stay tuned.

Vintage Vogue Fashion Illustration Covers

(June 1935 by Jean Pages, Dec. 1945 by Carl "Eric" Erickson) 

Today I'm spotlighting some of my favorite vintage Vogue covers featuring fashion illustrations in anticipation of a party I'll be live-illustrating at tonight hosted by Vogue Magazine! I'm so thrilled to be working with Vogue, a magazine with such a long history of supporting fashion illustration.

(Clockwise from top left: Feb. 1935 by Eric, Nov. 1939 by Eric, June 1931 by artist unknown, and Oct. 1948 by Eric) 

The majority of the covers shown here are by fashion illustrator Carl Erickson, who was known as and signed his drawings and paintings as Eric. Other notable fashion illustrators who were commissioned by Vogue include Rene Bouche, Cecil Beaton, Andy Warhol (whom I featured here before with his work for Harpers Bazaar), Jean Pages, Erte and Antonio Lopez.

(Clockwise from top left: Sept. 1953 by Rene Bouche, July 1935 by Cecil Beaton, and Aug. 1912 artist unknown) 

I know models and in more recent years celebrities have become the norm to adorn the covers of Vogue but I have to say that although I may a little bias, I absolutely adore these vintage fashion illustration covers and wish they'd make a comeback.

Wish me luck and stay tuned for my sketches from tonight's Vogue event!

Line Drawings for Remington at Target

While on a vacation in Maine a few weeks ago I spotted more of my drawings on hair products in Target. Remington Products commissioned me to create line drawings for their hair accessory collection at Target. A little while back I shared my drawings for the hair scarfs and now these cuties depicting the many ways to wear the flower clip.

Above is a instagramed photo I took in Target of the actual product packaging with my sketches. It's always exciting to see my work on a finished product but even more so in a huge national chain store!

Fashion Illustration Exhibition at BPL

(Illustration copyright Anja Kroencke)

I was recently contacted by The Brooklyn Public Library about an exciting exhibition opening there next week called Fashion Illustration: A Contemporary Look. They will be showing many of todays top fashion illustrators as well as a retrospective of the work of iconic illustrator Antonio Lopez.

(Illustration copyright Anja Kroencke)

In addition to the visual display, the Brooklyn Public Library will have a slew of fashion illustration events including discussion panels, a fashion film series (with a screening of Valentino: The Last Emperor, one of my all time favorite fashion films which I reviewed here on Fabulous Doodles years ago,) and fashion illustration classes and talks lined up throughout the fall.

(Illustration copyright Izak)

Shown here are just a few of the illustrations on display in the exhibit. The opening reception of Fashion Illustration: A Contemporary Look is next week, Sept 6th (also Fashion's Night Out and starting day of New York Fashion Week) and will run until December 1st. I'm looking forward a little trip to Brooklyn to check out this exhibit and thought you would too. Let me know if you go and what the highlights were for you. Click here for a complete schedule of events.

(All artwork copyright the artist shown are on display at the Brooklyn Public Library) 

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.

Birthday Girl

This fancy little sketch adorning my party invitation is part of a group of line drawings I've been working on here and there inspired by my Pinterest finds. My birthday was this past weekend and I decided to throw a last minute party on the roof of the Empire Hotel for any friends who were in town. (NYC tends to clear out on summer weekends, especially in Aug.) I designed and emailed the invite literally the night before, and quickly chose this little sketch to go on it since she was fun and festive. The next day a friend pointed out that she looked a lot like my current Facebook pic (also shown above) and asked if I drew it especially for the occasion. I honestly didn't even realize it! Although the photo is similar I'm no where near a size zero, like the girl in the sketch. Since I really like how the invite turned out, as well as the fun night with friends that followed, I thought I'd share it with you. (Here is the girl, fashion blogger Blair Eadie that actually inspired the drawing, from my She's a Sketch board.)

Party Guest Fashion Illustrations {Part 2}

I'm excited to share more custom fashion illustrations I sketched a few weeks ago for guests at the Cameo PR party. It was such a successful event, my table (shown above with framed examples of my work and my portfolio) was continuously crowded with ladies eager to be illustrated. It seemed as though every guest was decked out in her best party frock and looking like a sketch already. (Maybe you remember my "She's a Sketch" posts!? Or follow my "She's a Sketch" Pinterest board? These girls would surely fit there, totally chic and sketch worthy.;)

I have to honest, people watching me draw has always made me a little nervous, even back in high school when we'd visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and sit to draw "studies" of the classic works. But this was so relaxed, drawing while chatting with all these lovely ladies as they waited for their custom illustrations. Everyone was so enthusiastic and supportive and overall it was a really enjoyable evening of sketching.

Each party guest happily posed for a quick pic before they took home their original signed sketch drawn in pencil and colored with marker (mostly with Copics, as shown above) in a protective cello sleeve.

You can check out my previous post about this live party sketching event here in Part 1 and you can email me at FabulousDoodles@gmail.com for rates to sketch live at your soiree; corporate events, weddings, sweet 16's, bat-mitzvahs, bridal showers, etc. I'd love to hear about your event and work together.

Material Guy

Last week I was contacted by one of my favorite repeat clients, the Material Girls, to illustrate the newest member of their team, who surprisingly is a man! Meet the new "Material Guy." I drew him based on a image sent to me of a painted portrait from the 18th century. We kept his hair blond to match all the Marie Antoinettes that I previously drew for the girls and I added blue with gold accents for a regal touch.

You can check out some of my previous commissions for Material Girls here and here on Fabulous Doodles and here on Material Girls. (<-If you click on each city name you will see a different Marie themed illustration for each header.)