Fabulous Doodles Fashion Illustration blog by Brooke Hagel: costume

Showing posts with label costume. Show all posts

Live Sketching Custom Portraits for Bridgerton x Netflix

Dearest readers, allow me to regale you with the delightfully splendid event that transpired a week or so ago. I had the pleasure of journeying downtown to partake in a most enchanting endeavor: live sketching custom portraits for the esteemed Netflix sensation, Bridgerton in collaboration with InDelight. What a spectacle it was! The ambiance was positively enchanting, adorned with exquisite floral arrangements, whilst melodies of Bridgerton's beloved tunes filled the air, courtesy of talented musicians in full Bridgerton regalia. The attendees were a sight to behold in their Regency attire, truly embracing the spirit of the occasion.

In the company of luminaries such as the illustrious Adjoa Andoh, known affectionately as "Lady Danbury," and the esteemed authoress behind the Bridgerton tales, Julia Quinn herself, I found myself sketching in a world of elegance and refinement. I reveled in the art of capturing the essence of the Regency era through my portraits, whilst engaging in delightful discourse with the charming guests who graced us with their presence. It was an evening of unparalleled joy and camaraderie, one that I shall have fond memories of.

To see similar live sketching events check out these posts you may have missed:

Ralph Lauren Team USA Uniform Sketches | Tokyo 2021

The time has finally come, the Ralph Lauren Olympic fashion illustration's for the Team USA Uniforms have been been released and tonight we get to see them in action. “Team USA’s 2020 [now 2021 since the pandemic postponement] Opening Ceremony Parade Uniform is a classic all-American look that incorporates sustainable materials within each piece,” a press release from Ralph Lauren read. What it left out was that it incorporated elements, or better yet accessories and illustrative details we’ve yet to see from Ralph Lauren for any Olympic Games ever before such as athletes sporting face masks, and for the first time a press release illustration incorporating the disabled community with a Paralympian and a wheelchair as well as a multitude of ethnicities for the croquis. The inclusive nature of the team USA uniform illustrations released by Ralph Lauren of both opening and closing ceremony looks for 2021 are truly like none we’ve ever seen before from the brand!

In addition to the added elements mentions above, from what I can tell (and now I can’t be 100% certain but I’d be willing to bet money on it) these illustrations also appear to be digital drawings which is quite the departure for a brand with such a rich history of hand drawn illustrations behind their designs. (At the end of this post I’ll share links with examples of older works.) Specifically the opening ceremony illustration, with the multiple figures, and the way the flag and fabrics are rendered, appears to me to be evenly filled lines are that are rendered with digital brush strokes. Of course it’s still in the same beautiful Ralph Lauren illustrative style and well drawn croqui’s that are quality examples of the brand. But it’s a modern drawing technique, a high tech fashion illustration version that parallels the high performance gear and sustainable clothing elements the illustrations are representing.

Bravo Ralph Lauren! For being all-inclusive with the disabled community, representing multiple ethnicities, not ignoring the pandemic with masks and stepping out of your comfort zone by doing digital illustrations for these 2021 Olympic Team USA looks! Can't wait to see the illustrations come to life on the athletes in tonight's Opening Ceremony.

Similar past posts that may interest you:

3 Ways To Find Inspiration When Facing a Creative Block

Fashion illustrators, like any other artist can face creative road blocks and ruts so I thought I'd share my top three ways to find inspiration when faced with a creative block and the dreaded blank page.

(One of my Met sketches inspired by Guo Pei gown at "China: Through the Looking Glass")

1. Go to a museum or gallery. Whether you have time for the whole museum or just one wing or exhibition, go. You never know how discovering a new artist or even seeing an old master will get your creative juices flowing. Bring a sketch pad, snap some photos (if that's allowed) or simply stroll the galleries and see what you find. I've been visiting the impressionist wing of The Met pretty religiously since I was about 14. I can’t visit the museum without popping in to see my old friends Monet, Cezanne, and van Gogh and without fail every visit I find a new gem. A new favorite painting, a new favorite spot that day, a new detail of a painting I never noticed before, or a combination of colors that strikes me that given day. If its photography that inspires you go see a fashion photography exhibit. If its vintage fashion, check out the Costume Institute. Or just gallery hop and see what you find and where the day takes you. A clear mind and an open afternoon is sometimes just what the doctor ordered sort of speak.

(92nd Street Y)

2. Take a class. This is one that, similar to a museum is probably easier in a city but if you look I’m sure you can find one at your local collage, art shop, or community center. If you’ve been wanting to learn more about portrait drawing, figures, watercolors, or fashion illustration, there’s a class for it. And if committing to an entire class is too intimidating then you may want to consider a workshop which is usually only one or two days. In the past I taught a few fashion illustration classes but I’ve actually been thinking about offering a workshop in the new year. (Click here if you’d like to add your name to a waitlist for info when it’s available.) The older we get the more distance grows between us and our school days so it can feel slightly uncomfortable taking the plunge but it's so nice learn something new and immerse yourself in learning and expanding your mind and creativity. Its also nice to meet to new people with similar interests.

(Ralph Lauren "Aviator" collection sketches by Audrey Schilt)

3. See a period movie. Once in a while epic period piece film comes along that makes its mark on pop culture. These type of films historically can also be quite inspirational to fashion design. Two examples that come to mind immediately, although I’m sure if I gave it some more thought I could write a blog post on this topic alone, is in 2005 when Ralph Lauren showed his Aviator collection inspired by seeing the film The Aviator. A second example that stands out in my fashion minded brain is in 1998 when the J. Peterman catalogue offered early 1900's beaded gowns inspired by Titanic. I vividly remember looking at those drawings (remember the catalogue was all sketches!) and wishing the replica of Roses dress was within my budget for a prom dress! Unfortunately it was not, at $2000 for the replica and $35,000 for the original my babysitting money certainly didn't cover that.

I hope these ideas of mine inspire you. And let me know in the comments if you have any tricks for a creative slump that have worked for you.

House of Cards | Final Season Fashion

House of Cards has long been the dramatic home to one of the best dressed characters to grace the small screen, Robin Wright as Claire Underwood. Last month I had the opportunity to preview the sixth and final season of House of Cards not once, but twice! As well as attend talks at the 92nd Street Y and The Wing with Wright, Michal Kelly, show-runner Melissa James and producer Frank Pugliese, pulling back the curtain as to what goes into making this monumental series. Wright's character dons the most pristine wardrobe that is not only tailored to perfection but also magnifies the characters flawless facade. I had the opportunity to ask some burning wardrobe questions about her flawless House of Cards wardrobe, designed by Kemala Harris, who as Melissa James says has “such an eye for not only a flawless wardrobe but such an understanding of character...with such attention to detail. So many of the dresses and stuff she’s [Claire] wearing, she wears with presidential cufflinks, which was entirely Kamala’s idea." She wanted to adapt the masculinity of presidents, and incorporate it into Claire's wardrobe. A wardrobe which is made up entirely of designer pieces that are altered and customized to strategically masculine-ize the character. Robin said jokingly, but not, that one of the things she's going to miss most from the show are the Christian Louboutins and Prada dresses. I sketched the character of Claire Underwood (shown above) in the uniform-esque suit she wears through much of episode one of season six. Even before the cast and crew talks as I watched the episode I was struck by how militaristic and commanding her bespoke suit was with its gold notions, taut fit, and modest cut.

Season 6 is quite a change from sexy styling of season 5, which I'd also roughly sketched about two years ago (shown above.) I can't wait for what the rest of this final season has in store for us wardrobe wise and in plot twists, with the countries first female President. Robin said "its gonna shock the shit out of you basically!" You can watch the whole 92Y talk (here on YouTube) to hear for yourself all the juicy details. If you do watch, (and this is slightly embarrassing but I'm clearly in awe of Robin and if you've come this far in the post perhaps you are as well.) anytime she looks down to the audience she was making eye contact with me! My friend and I were front row center and concluded that the guests on the stage couldn't see too far into the audience with intense spotlights on them so whenever she'd look down and out at the audience it was right as us! We kept elbowing each other in excitement and the entire cab ride home across town we discussed how charismatic and glowingly beautiful Robin Wright was. It was kind of hilarious that as two grown and heterosexual women we were completely fangirling out!

House of Cards season 6 premieres on Netflix tomorrow, Nov. 2nd, 2018! I'm just hoping I can make it last the weekend and not binge the whole season the first night. And last but not least, I hope to see you at the polls on November 6th. #VOTE

Team USA Closing Ceremony Designs by Ralph Lauren | PyeongChang

Here's a fun fashion illustration sneak peek of the Ralph Lauren designs Team USA will be wearing at tonights closing ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. If you've been a long time reader of Fabulous Doodles you know I'm huge fan of illustrations from Ralph Lauren design team and this powerful pair are no different. The sketches convey movement and texture and are just the right amount of unfinished to look professional with a stylized and artsy air to them. I'm excited to see them come to life on the athletes tonight!

Have a look at past Ralph Lauren Olympic uniform sketches I've featured in the past:

Met Gala 2017 Inspired Fashion Illustrations

For this years Met Gala red carpet inspired fashion illustrations I chose to illustrate three best dressed picks. The theme of this years gala and costume exhibit is the avant-garde and daring Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garcons. The best dressed of the night without a doubt was Gigi Hadid in Tommy Hilfiger (shown above.) The dress was one hundred percent on-theme, which clearly was a tough one for many this year, white still being beautiful, seductive and edgy. Her hair and make up was also flawless and perfectly complimented the asymmetrical design of her dress.

The next illustration is Hailey Baldwin in a Carolina Herrera ballerina ensemble with-a-twist. I loved the subtle color change within the tiers of the tulle skirt, and the delicate architectural seams of her crop top. Keeping the hair pulled up and back with a birdcage veil was lovely finishing touch. And last but not least is Kate Hudson in Stella McCartney. This look was the not the most on theme but it wasn't completely off, with a dramatic one-sleeve and modern top knot hair that was a nod to Asian costume. In all honestly this asymmetrical silk gown was a fun one to draw, as I love to render highlights and shadows of silk. It also fit in well with the two other illustrations which were bigger and more dramatic silhouettes.

I wasn't feeling great the night of this years gala, so decided to go with a more simplified and stylized effect, drawing with an Apple Pencil on the iPad pro in leu of my traditional illustration tools, all while watching in bed! I kept the sketches cohesive all on a pink background and illustrated in only graphite gray, pink and white. Its nice to switch it up sometimes and try new things!

Similar posts to check out:

Olympic Team USA Designs by Ralph Lauren | Rio

Ralph Lauren, the quintessential all-American design king has once again designed team USA's opening and closing ceremony looks for the Olympics and with the closing ceremony taking place later today what better time to feature sketches from the Ralph Lauren team of what we can expect to see the athletes wearing. If you've been reading Fabulous Doodles a while you know I'm a huge fan of Ralph Lauren fashion illustrations, and have featured them numerous times. The Olympic illustrations, especially the men shown here, are drawn strong and statuesque with beautiful movement and life to sketches. The color rendering is super saturated, almost like a digital illustration but I'm pretty sure they were illustrated traditionally on paper, as is standard procedure for the house of RL. I love the simplified stylized shadows throughout the skin and garments and am impressed with how many details are in each sketch, down to the intricate design of the boatshoes, the braided bracelets and tiny logos throughout the garments. All without making the illustrations appear overworked or fussy.

Shown above are the sketches from the opening night ceremony. Again showing only the men for two reasons; as odd as it is they resonate more with me than the women's this time around. And since this year they styled the men and women in identical uniforms, as opposed to years past where the women have had more feminine looks with skirts and dresses, you're not missing any opposing or complimentary designs. Its rare that I share male illustrations here but these are so well done I couldn't resist. I'll certainly be using these beautiful renderings for future reference for my own male illustrations, which I have to admit I find challenging.

I'm looking forward to tuning in tonight for the Rio Olympics closing ceremonies to see these sketches truly come to life on the athletes of team USA!

Similar posts to check out:

Ella Henderson US Album Release Party

Earlier this week I had an incredible front row spot at Ella Henderson's US Album Release Party for her first album Chapter One and now I can't seem to stop sketching her! My British bestie Will Taylor introduced me to Ella's music about a year ago and her first single Ghost quickly became one my top songs of last year and pretty much my anthem of the last 6+ months. (So much so, I made it the soundtrack to my little 2014 year-end insta-video.)

It was surreal going with Will, one of my best friends, to this event and getting to be a part of Ella's US album release. We sang along, danced, sipped champagne and laughed the night away. It was the kind of unforgettable night that doesn't come around too often and when that happens I'm always eager to capture it. I also have to say that Ella looked fantastic and you know I love a jumpsuit! Remember this sketch of Vogue stylist Kelen, whom I toured the US with sketching for Vogue and Clinique?

If you haven't yet I highly recommend checking out Ella Henderson. Ghost and Beautifully Unfinished are my two favorites but the whole Chapter One album is great! I'm so excited she's finally here in the states and looking forward to seeing her career soar.

(Illustrations and photo by: Brooke Hagel)

Cher Tour Illustrations

A few months ago I had the opportunity to create sketches for the one and only Cher! I collaborated with celebrity hair stylist Ricardo Rojas to sketch a handful of illustrations to be presented to Cher for her upcoming tour. Rojas, having worked closely with Cher for years had a clear-cut vision of not only the hair styles he wanted present, but the strong poses and attitude that the custom tour sketches should convey.

Rojas and I met at his beautiful Upper East Side salon (shown above,) knocked around concepts, reviewed inspiration photo's and tweaked sketches to settle on the final illustrations. In the past I've featured both Cher and Bob Mackie on Fabulous Doodles many times and its exciting to now share my own interpretation of the icon. (Albeit, I leaned a little towards the simpler side with costumes to keep the focus on hair but you know I adore a sequined-feathered Bob Mackie number!) Cher's D2K Tour is now well underway and after seeing photos friends posted from the Brooklyn show I'm proud to say Ricardo Rojas did an incredible job on Cher's tour "hair wardrobe" and hopefully my sketches contributed positively.

Related posts you may have missed:

Katy Perry Tour Costume Sketches

For the past few days Katy Perry's been instagramming a sketch-a-day sneak peek of her multi-designer tour wardrobe for her new Prismatic World Tour! We're only day 6, so there's more to come but I couldn't hold off any longer. As of now this happy face Jeremy Scott for Moschino and this Valentino Haute Couture sketch are my favorites!

I adore tour costume sketches, and love that so many artists and designers are sharing then now. (Here, in the Fabulous Doodles archives are Armani designs for Lady Gaga and Kaufman Franco for Whitney Houston.) Hope you have a happy weekend!

(Illustration: Jeremy Scott for Moschino)

Inspired Weekend

A peek into my inspired weekend of adding new fashion illustration prints to my Etsy shop, sketching dessert tables, and marathon watching a new show.

1. I've been giving my Etsy shop a little revamp with an infusion of new sketches and "Poodle Proud" here is a favorite just added. (I actually drew these two a few months ago and am happy to finally be sharing them.)

2. Silver sparkle pencils from the Michael's dollar bin. I ran in for a picture frame but came out with these and love them!

3. Sketched dessert table illustrations again this weekend for one of my favorite repeat clients, sweets stylist Amy Atlas. Since I can't share the new sketches just yet here is an older one I never posted. This wintry dessert table was designed for Anthropologie's holiday catalogue preview party.

4. This weekend, while sketching I dove into a new show (new to me that is) marathoning Scandal. I'm now officially obsessed with Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope. Her wardrobe is a stunning array of monochromatic looks of whites, grays and pale blush. From her jackets, coats, sweaters to her silk pajamas and even workout wear, its one beautiful look after the next. Ahh what I'd do for this fictitious closet.

I actually illustrated Kerry Washington on Miu Miu at last years Golden Globes but I just may have to do more now inspired by her Scandal character.

Inspired Weekend

Today I'm starting a new feature here on Fabulous Doodles called Inspired Weekend. My goal is share a just few things each monday that I've found cultivate creativity and inspire.

1. The latest issue of Elle magazine with this gorgeous minimal cover of silver, black and white. I had a meeting last week at the Elle offices and was given a copy of the March '14 Spring Fashion issue and I couldn't wait to tear into it.

2. Helping a friend decorate her new apartment I came across the IKEA Ranarp wall lamp. With its overall industrial look paired with a white metal shade, gold and silver finishes and black and white striped cord, its a great combination and at only $19.99 I have to pick one up for my studio.

3. "For the first time in forever" I went to see a kids movie this weekend, Disney's Frozen and let me tell you, I loved it! Later that night I found myself not only downloading the main songs (including: For the First Time in Forever and Let it Go) but also sketching the main character, Elsa. I added this print of her to my Brooklit Etsy shop and who knows, I just may sketch her sister Anna and few other favorite Disney princesses as well.

4. As a lifelong artist I have a sweet spot for brushes and art supplies. This beautiful photo is by Anna-Malin a Swedish photographer and interior/lifestyle blogger. I'm excited to start following her on Instagram and seeing her work in my daily photo feed.

And lastly, a quick thank you to my friend Will Taylor, aka Mr. Bright Bazaar, for inspiring this post with his 10 Things I Learned & Loved This Weekend series, which obviously I love.

Olympic Team USA Sketches by Ralph Lauren

Tonight is the start of the winter Olympics in Sochi Russia and the United States team will again be sporting Ralph Lauren, the longstanding official outfitter of team USA. Shown here are the fashion illustrations for the opening and closing ceremony parade, and as you can always expect from Ralph Lauren these fashion illustrations are rendered to perfection.

The design however is pretty hideous and way too reminiscent of ugly holiday sweaters (The New York Times even titled an article "US Olympic Outfits Worthy of Stares, If Not Metals") but the illustrations are still drawn to perfection and worth a good look. And regardless of what craziness they'll be wearing, I'll be routing for team USA to go for the gold!

(Illustrations by Ralph Lauren)

Halloween Throwback, Vintage Costume Designs

(Bob Mackie sketch while working under Edith Head)

Seeing all the fun costumes out and about today for Halloween has gotten be thinking about all the costume designers and costume illustrations that I love so much. If you've been following Fabulous Doodles a while now you probably know I started out wanting to be a costume designer and even dabbled in the field interning in various wardrobe departments in college followed by a stint as a wardrobe supervisor on an off Broadway show. Although these vintage designs are nothing like the productions I worked on but a girl can dream! I'm mean how utterly spectacular is this Bob Mackie design while working under fellow costume design legend Edith Head?! (shown above)

(Edith Head sketch of Elizabeth Taylor for "A Place in the Sun")

Speaking of, it should be noted that Edith Head is the only woman to have won 8 Academy Awards and a whopping 35 nominations spanning her career. She was Hollywood's leading costume designer, a favorite among leading ladies and even earned a star on the Walk of Fame. Head designed for countless classic movies including A Place in the Sun (shown above), Sunset Boulevard, Roman Holiday, Sabrina, The Ten Commandments, and Funny Face.

(Cecil Beaton design for "My Fair Lady")

This next vintage costume design illustration is by another Academy Award winner, Cecil Beaton. Beaton won the Oscar in Costume Design for this very production (shown above) My Fair Lady. He was also an acclaimed photographer and worked as a staff photographer for Vogue earlier on in his career.

(Edith Head for "Sweet Charity")

Last but not least is another wonderful Edith Head illustration. This design was for the 1969 film Sweet Charity directed by Bob Fosse. I love modern cut of this 60's mini dress and all the call outs for diamond, palliates and ankle jewels.

To see more of my favorite vintage costume design illustration you can pop on over to my costume design Pinterest board. Hope your having a fabulous Halloween!

Asperkid's Charitable Fashion Coloring Book

A few months ago I was asked to contribute fashion history illustrations for a wonderful new charitable coloring book that has just been released; The Asperkid's Not-Your-Average-Coloring-Book written by Jennifer Cook O'Toole. This unique coloring book covers topics that appeal to kids on the autism spectrum by encouraging them to try new things and showing spectrum kids the potential career value of their natural talents through artwork based on science, nature, history, math and myths.

It was great to work on these historical fashion sketches and solely focus on the designs through line drawing. I have to mention that while the 1960's mod look (at the top) is probably my favorite of the group due to the strong pose and bold accessories, the 1970's illustration was inspired by one of my favorite photo's from the 1970's of my grandma (which I also featured here on Fabulous Doodles a while back.) As for the other two line drawings, they gave me a great excuse to whip out my art and fashion history books and seek out some primary resources for inspiration.

I'm honored to be a part of this coloring book and encourage you to show your support for Asperkids and order a copy for the little artist in your life, whether or not they are on the spectrum. A portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting art programs for children on the autism spectrum. Although I'm only one of the contributing illustrators featured in the book, I've added The Asperkids's Not-Your-Average-Coloring-Book to my Amazon shop under titles I've illustrated, to make it easy to find and order. Happy coloring!

Costume Design: The Great Gatsby

As if I wasn't excited enough for Baz Luhrmann's take on The Great Gatsby, after seeing these costume design sketches, friday can't come soon enough. For the women of Gatsby, Luhrmann and costume designer Catherine Martin collaborated with Miuccia Prada to reinterpret looks from past Miu Miu and Prada collections in 40 stunning cocktail and evening dress designs. (Some may even be memorable, like this Miu Miu beaded sheath I sketched of Kerry Washington at the Golden Globes, shown below in slate blue.) I love how the illustrator chose to only render the costumes in color and leave the figures white, similar to my Sociologie wine sketches. These beautiful dresses combined with other wardrobe collaborations including Tiffany jewels and Brooks Brothers suiting will surely make for a stunning film.

On a personal note, I've always had a love of Gatsby. Actually, I grew up in the town on the north shore of Long Island where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby, which in the book is referred to as "East Egg." It was always an exciting element of my hometown's history. In high school we were even offered extra credit for giving the address of the "the Gatsby House" in English class. (Thank you Mrs. Aufses!) Walking around the city these past few weeks and seeing all the Gatsby themed windows, tv promos, and now these wonderful costume design sketches, has gotten me so excited for the new Gatsby! What are you most looking forward to you in the new Gatsby?

Best Dressed: Met Ball 2013

Last night was the fashion event of the year, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute's annual Met Ball. For this years gala stars and designers rocked their "punk"-themed best to celebrate the Met's newest exhibit PUNK: Chaos to Couture.

(Donna Karen Atelier sketch, Hailee Steinfeld in Donna Karen Atelier)

There were so many showstoppers it was difficult to pick favorites but in the end its those that really embraced the theme and rocked out fabulous punk-couture who really nailed it. First up (shown above) is sixteen year old Hailee Steinfeld in Donna Karen Atelier alongside an adorable sketch of her in the dress (that DKNY tweeted earlier.) At first glance the dress looks sophisticated and pretty, but then up close you see that what appears to be a floral mum pattern is actually safety pins hand stitched to a cream leather dress! Its such a genius sophisticated/edgy look thats absolutely perfect for this event.

(Kate Mara in Delpozo, Julianne Hough in custom Topshop, Blake Lively in Gucci, Chanel Iman in J Mendel, and Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon and Philip Treacy.)

The safety pinned Donna Karen wasn't the only hit of the night though. Kate Mara in Delpozo was absolute perfection in an oxblood colored dress with a unique jeweled bodice and molded peplum. Julianne Hough's beautiful etherial custom Topshop gown was perfect on her tiny frame and the tulle fabric was actually embroidered with a delicate spider web pattern throughout. Blake Lively was jaw-droppingly glamorous in a heavily embellished pale green and black strapless Gucci Premiere gown. I rarely meet a stripe I don't like and Chanel Iman in this black and white striped J Mendel dress was a stunner, and very punk meets red carpet. And last but certainly not least is the amazing SJP in a Giles Deacon gown and Philip Treacy punk couture custom mowhawk headpiece. Its one of those looks that really only SJP channeling her inner Carrie could not only pull off but completely rock. I know there were a lot of haters on this one, but I have to say I really loved it! It was the right place, right time, and right mowhawk!

Unfortunately I didn't make it to ball (one day, fingers crossed!!) but you better believe I'll be checking out this exhibit. The Costume Institute's PUNK: Chaos to Couture exhibit examining punk's impact on high fashion will be on display starting today through August 14, 2013.

Costume Design: The Academy Collection

(Marilyn Monroe by Dorothy Jeakins)

If you tuned into last night's Academy Awards arrivals you probably spotted the large costume sketches along the entire red carpet. Many were iconic sketches by legendary costume designer Edith Head but others were not as recognizable. I quickly jumped onto the Oscars website and found a bunch of costume designers sketches featured from the Oscar's official "Academy Collection." The sketch shown above is from the 1960 film Let's Make Love, which was Marilyn Monroe's second-to-last film.

(Liza Minnelli by Theadora Van Runkle)

I'm always impressed by how well costume designers can truly capture characters features and personalities in their costume illustrations, its something I try to achieve with my custom bridal illustrations. This next costume sketch (above) is a example of that. Its of Liza Minnelli playing the part of Francine Evans in Martin Scorsese's 1977 musical New York, New York.

(Elizabeth Taylor by Helen Rose)

This last costume design sketch just may be my favorite. The pose, the gown, and the overall rendering is simply beautiful. This classic old Hollywood illustration is of Elizabeth Taylor by costume designer Helen Rose for the 1954 MGM film Rhapsody. The rendering of the draping on this gown is stunning.

(All illustrations from The Academy Collection. Check out more costume sketches from the Academy Collection here.)

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)

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