Custom iPad Illustrations | Macys Front Row NYFW

I kicked off this New York Fashion Week by live-sketching Macy's Front Row party for the second consecutive year. This season however I used an Apple Pencil and iPad to draw custom fashion illustrations of party guests. Digital sketching is quite different from my traditional live-sketching with my actual art supplies on paper. I have to admit its a lot more challenging especially when trying to complete each sketch quickly and not make the illustrations not look too cartoony. The guests (and clients) loved them though and it certainly makes posting to social media quick and easy since digital files of the completed sketches are sent instantly.

Macy's upped the entertainment wow factor this year with surprise guest performances by Spinderella and Salt-n-Pepa! Sketching party go-ers while these women rocked the stage was incredible, and certainly took me back. (Salt-n-Pepa's Let's Talk About Sex was actually one of my very first CDs!) Their performance, along with spotting fashion icon Betsy Johnson, who I snapped a quick pic of and had to draw (shown above, bottom left) and meeting and drawing loads lovely guests, some of which were even sketched by me last year and came to find me again, made for a fun night and great start to my fashion week. You can check out Macy's Front Row fashion show which airs tonight at 8pm on E!

Stylus Sketching with Samsung & Macys

Today I'm sharing a few sketches I drew with Samsung's latest Galaxy tablet and stylus. I was asked to live-sketch at Macy's Fashion Front Row after party with Samsung for the last day of New York Fashion Week. I stylus-sketched for Samsung once before, also for NYFW, but it was a while ago and I hadn't done it since. Digital sketching, for me, is nerve racking as I'm a pencil-to-paper kind of girl. Luckily Samsung sent me a tablet prior to the party so I had a few days to familiarize myself with the stylus and drawing apps again. Shown here are some of the illustrations I created as practice, the first attempt being the one atop this post. It may look nice but I have to admit it took a long time and many, many touch ups. It's challenging to try and create illustrative effects you know how to do so effortlessly with actual art supplies, paint and markers when only using a single stylus and tablet but after some practice I got the hang of it...with a few hiccups. One feature I loved discovering was that one of the color libraries within it was by Copic Markers. So I was able to pick my favorite go-to marker colors for skin and hair. 

As I became more comfortable I decided to try and sketch from actual people and photos. The illustration above left is based off a photo of model Gigi Hadid and the coral crop top and full skirt look is inspired this look from Banana Republic's spring 16' collection. Just like last time, once I seemed to be getting the hang of using it it was time to give my Samsung Galaxy back. I may have to take the plunge and invest in one for myself, as it was a fun medium to draw in and I'd really like to experiment with it some more. 

The Macy's Front Row fashion show airs tonight on E! so check your local listing and check it out! I Sketched a few famous faces from the show and will share those soon! 

Designer Sketches for NYFW Spring 2016

Its New York Fashion Week again, which to me has always been a time to ogle over designer sketches which they release as a preview of their collection and the inspiration behind it. Aside from being pure visual eye candy for a fashion illustration lover, an aspiring illustrator can learn a lot by studying inspiring sketches and trying to achieve similar techniques.

I've picked only five this season and possibly my favorite of the lot is the Adam Lippes illustration shown above. I've always loved illustrations that look effortless and a bit unfinished. Knowing when to stop and not overwork a sketch is something I've always been a little insecure about in my own work. The contour lines of the legs, feet and face with a simple single stroke of skin color is what I like best. Another beauty is Mara Hoffman's illustration which perfectly conveys the bohemian look of her brand with long braids, a headband and a walking fashion figure that is ideal for a long flowing starry gown.

The next sketch by Joie (shown above) is charcoal on pale pink paper and looks as though it was made for Fabulous Doodles! The light lines and partially rendered floral print has such a lovely soft effect. Its airy and feminine and even as a simple sketch, the overall look is on brand with what I've come to and love Joie.

Next is a bolder sketch in monotone black and white by Tome. Its a little heavy handed and different from the others I've chosen, but similar in how it's partially rendered with a slight unfinished look. In this sketch its the body that is barely there, keeping all the focus and detail in palm print dress. And last but not least is stunning watercolor painted fashion illustration by Carmen Marc Valvo. The past few months I've been experimenting more with watercolor and gouache and I love seeing how other artists use it. The saturated black background which washes away toward the bottom is such a unique way to frame an illustration and something I'm eager to try for myself.

I hope you liked my top picks of designer sketches from the Spring 2016 collections and that they inspire you, as they do me, to try something new.
(Illustration by each designer via Elle and WWD.)

Similar posts you might enjoy:

• NYFW Designer Sketches Spring 2015 (Part 2) 
• Live Sketching NY Fashion Week with Samsung Galaxy 
• Male Fashion Illustrations Milan Spring 2014 

Sketches Inspired by Resort Collections

If you follow me on Instagram (@brooklit) you'll know that over the past few weeks I've been busy sketching some favorite designer looks inspired by resort 2016 collections. I've always loved the resort season collections, which are shown mid way through the fall and spring shows. Since so fewer pieces are shown designers have to keep their designs focused and concise. They also remind me of mini collection projects I'd design back in college. Each piece needs to serve a purpose, be well thought out and fit into the overall theme of the collection. Unlike fall and spring collections which can have as many as 120 pieces with both "filler" pieces and more avant garde looks that are solely for a dramatic runway moment, resort can have as few as 15-20 pieces.

The first collection I've illustrated here is Marchesa, consistently flawless, feminine and always a favorite of mine. This Moroccan inspired Resort collection featured a bounty of embroidered flowers inspired by Moroccan tiling, with intricate laces and a beautiful color palette of blush pinks, coral, black, white, gold and navy. In rendering this collection I chose the silhouettes I liked most that were also comprised of the laces and full floral embroideries that made the collection so exquisite and I enjoy rendering. The two to the right were two of my favorites both within the collection and in the outcome of the illustration. Theres something about sheer fabrics, like the v-neck white lace jumpsuit and peach organza bell-sleeve dress that make them so chic.

Rachel Zoe is next. Black and white is an eternal favorite of mine, along with much of the New York fashion set and her Resort 16' collection combined them beautifully with shimmer, embellishments and luxe fabrics. My favorite pieces to illustrate (shown above) were the ones that used beaded fringe, black and white stripes and chevron, and combinations of leather and suede. I illustrated these girls very elongated and stylized. This is the fashion illustration style I favor most however rarely use anymore since clients tend to prefer a "healthier" girl. To me though this is the epitome of fashion illustration. After completing these sketches I really want to keep along this vein and try to do more in this style, at least when drawing for myself, where I'm the sole opinion that needs to be taken into account.

Last up is Elizabeth and James by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. This collection, in my eyes, was the for the quintessential "cool girl." Another classic palette of black and white featuring loose and slouchy dresses, wide-leg trousers and tailored blazers. They played with proportions and volume and put together a strong resort collection. Surprisingly the pant looks were my favorite to illustrate of the all the pieces, as show above middle and below.

For design students looking for mini collection inspiration or to the fashionphile looking to explore new designers I suggest browsing through the resort collections, always a hit in my book.

• Live Sketching Bridal Fashion Week for Brides Magazine 
• Designer Sketches for NYFW Fall 2014 [Part 3]
• Cher Tour Illustrations 

Live-Sketching Bridal Fashion Week for Brides Magazine

Recently I attended Bridal Fashion Week to live sketch designers final looks on behalf of Brides Magazine's social media channels and it was without a doubt one of my favorite projects to date. With my sketchbook and art supplies in tow I attended Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier and Marchesa's Spring 2016 Bridal Collections along with a photographer and camera crew to record me live-sketching for photos and time-lapse videos.

I was invited to arrive early to each show for a closer look at the gown I'd be illustrating. The first was Reem Acra and it was an exquisite cream colored re-embroidered metallic lace long sleeve dress with circular tulle underlay. (Sketch shown above) I took some photos of the dress details, watched the models in hair and makeup, then headed out to my seat for the show. Promptly after the show I scooted backstage with the camera crew where my model was waiting for me in the finale dress to pose. I completed the sketch in about 15-20 minutes and she was thrilled with the outcome, and said she'd actually never been sketched before. I then thanked and shared the sketch with Reem Acra. She loved it and was quite complimentary of my work, which she had checked out prior to my arrival. (Ekk!)

Next up, Monique Lhuillier. Again I arrived early and was brought backstage for a closer look at the finale gown. Waiting for my sketching location I sat backstage for quite a while watching the models and snapping pix. They said if I liked another gown more I could sketch whichever gown I thought would make the best illustration so instead of the long-sleeved finale gown I chose a strapless tulle ballgown with a delicate lace bodice with lace appliqués that trickled onto the skirt, to differentiate it from the dress I drew that morning. After the show I got set up in the room they were shooting the look-book in, so again, the model was right there and got to see her final sketch along with the Monique Lhuillier (see below.)

Lastly Marchesa, which unsurprisingly was flawless. When I arrived early backstage I was told the design team wanted to meet with me. Two of the head designers came out and showed me the three contenders they had in mind for the sketch. I chose this gown (below) because of the unique gathered bodice and beautiful three dimensional florals throughout the etherial skirt. I didn't realize at the time, but this was in-fact the finale look. Being a presentation situation, not a runway show, I was able to set up with the camera crew and sketch while the model posed on the pedestal. I saw the two Marchesa designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig during the show but unfortunately not after, once the sketch was complete.

It doesn't get much better than sketching Bridal Fashion Week for Brides Magazine. It was a dream project and hopefully I'll have the opportunity to do it again. Through the years I've attended countless New York Fashion Weeks but up until now, actually only one bridal show, and I have to say I'm sold! Beautiful New York venues showcasing one stunning fairytale gown after the next, it was a fashion illustrating dream come true. You can check out more of my sketches and a time lapse video over on Brides Magazine instagram account. Thank you to the team at Brides and all the designers who welcomed me!

For more of my bridal illustrations you can check out my bridal print shop: Brooklit Bride.

Similar posts you may be interested in:

• Custom Bridal Illustration Wedding Gift 
• The Go-To Wedding Gift 
• Custom Bridal Fashion Illustrations 

NYFW Designer Sketches Spring 2015 (Part 2)

Ready to start your week off with more New York Fashion Week designer sketches? Today I've chosen a batch of classic black, white and neutral illustrations starting with Ella Moss and Jeffrey Dodd. Ella's sketch has a lovely light feel with a lot of texture and depth. I love how the pant pattern was rendered and the use of shading throughout the illustration. Jeffrey Dodd's illustration is much more stylized with a simplified and eccentric headless fashion figure but still clearly conveying the gown design. 

The theme of Milly's 2015 spring collection is "organic opulence," which I think this sketch illustrates perfectly. It appears to have been drawn primarily in pen with touches of marker. The illustration has a quick and casual feel but dramatic showing a sheer full skirt and patterned vest. 

Rachel Zoe's illustration is a different style than she's shown in recent past seasons (here for example.) This sketch is simplified mod black and white with a playful element in the kicked up foot and shaggy hair, showing the 1960's inspiration even in the figure illustration. 

Last but not least is a graphic statement by Lela Rose of watercolored polka dots and florals inspired by a Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama. Again its a bit of a simplified croqui (fashion figure,) but well rendered garments and unique in that the illustration took the polka dot pattern and successfully extended it into a washed out background. 

It should be noted that none of these illustrations have faces. I know a lot of aspiring illustrators struggle with facial features and these are a few great examples of successful illustrations without any. The illustrations are all cohesive and none look unbalanced or unfinished. 

For more from NYFW Spring 2015, see Part 1 here. 

(Illustrations by each designer or design house noted, from WWD and Pantone) 

NYFW Designer Sketches Spring 2015 (Part 1)

New York Fashion Week kicked off two days ago and with it a slew of designer sketches were released as a teaser of what we can expect to see on in the collections. As usual I've combed through them and chosen some of my favorites to feature starting with Rebecca Minkoff (above.) Her sketches are consistently flawless and always at the top of my list with beautifully rendered fabrics, faces and hair, and overall the ideal fashion illustration proportions.

DNKY is much more whimsical and stylized but still clearly conveys the garment design. I love the fun touches of pink for the hair and that the illustrator chose a unique profile walking pose. The figure is exaggerated and long with the focus of the sketch is on the geometric dress pattern.

Next up are two different designers with similar illustrative styles, Ellessy and J.Crew. They both have a loose organic feel with minimal facial rendering and outlined in pen. You can clearly read the texture and fabrics but they both seem casually drawn with a light touch. I love the shadow on the Hellessy illustration, its something I've always admired in Audrey Schilt's Ralph Lauren illustrations.

Cynthia Steffe's illustration is another more stylized and fun one, similar to DKNY. It also reminds me of the Daily Candy sketches by Sujean Rim. (Maybe they commissioned her?) To me it appears the illustration is painted in light washes of watercolor without much line work. The sketch has a very young feel with minimal details but again, understandable garment rendering. 

I've broken my picks up by color which today for part 1 here are dusty pinks, muted raspberries and slate blues. Check back tomorrow for another colorway and to see more New York Fashion Week Spring 2015 designer sketches.

(Illustrations by each designer labeled, from WWD and Pantone) 

Live-Sketching at NYFW with Samsung Galaxy

This past New York Fashion Week I had the opportunity to try something new, sketching on a tablet. A Samsung Galaxy Note Pro tablet to be exact. As a sponsor of NYFW, Samsung had a space in the main lobby and I was hired to live-sketch fashion illustrations of fashion week attendees who passed through the Samsung lounge.

Live-sketching NYFW attendees is great, since even with this crazy winter "polar-vortex" people still tend to dress to impress for shows and aren't donning the typical head-to-toe black typically found at most New York events. I was able to really experiment with tablet fashion illustration, rendering a variety of furs, leathers, knits, prints and even sheers all in an array of colors and styles.

To be honest I was really nervous to try sketching on a tablet. I'd never done it before and wasn't sure if I'd be able to figure it out and achieve the look I wanted with only a stylist pen, tablet screen and no actual art tools. To my surprise though it was very user friendly and I got the hang of it pretty quickly. (I also had Samsung experts there to answer any questions, which was helpful.) The "S pen" has such a fine point and the screen is so touch-sensitive that the level of detail and precision you can achieve is pretty incredible, much like an actual pen or pencil. The Note Pro is very lightweight and has a large paper-sized 12.2-inch screen. Lastly, it was especially great for live-sketching since I could email jpegs of the illustrations directly to the people I was sketching, like Bella shown here (above) from Elle Magazine. I enjoyed drawing on the Galaxy Note Pro so much that I'm now considering purchasing one for more digital drawing.

(Top photo by Gloria Chik and fashion illustrations by Brooke Hagel.)

February Favorites via Brooklit Instagram

Time for another monthly review of my favorite mini moments captured on Instagram:

1. "Walking in winter wonderland" and actually enjoying the crazy polar vortex for a sec.
2. Hanging out in the chic E! lounge on day one of New York Fashion Week.
3. My "I Love Pencils" pencil, posted on Valentines Day. (Coming soon to the shop!)
4. Photographing new notecards for Brooklit Bride.
5. Hometown love, the icy Long Island Sound looking incredibly picturesque.
6. Its a wrap on the 4 book series I've been illustrating! Final sketch is colored, finished, and off to the publisher.
7. This week another book I illustrated came out: Lawrence Zarian's Ten Commandments for a Perfect Wardrobe.
8. Art supply shopping, stocking up on white charcoal pencils prepping for live-sketching at the Old Navy Summer Press Preview.
9. Another fashion illustration in the works for one of the books of the four book series I'm illustrating.

10. Its that time of year, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center.
11. After years of going to and working at shows, I sat front row for the first time and what a view! This was the final walk for Academy of Art College, the only school that shows at NYFW.
12. So fun, got to step into the E! Glam Cam! You can check out the full 360 degree shot here.

For a closer look at these photos and more sketches, inspiration and pretty pix follow me @Brooklit on Instagram.

Designer Sketches for NYFW Fall 2014 {Part 3}

Today concludes New York Fashion Week and I'm wrapping it up with the last part of my designer sketch round up. These are designers that successfully chose to sketch groups of fashion illustrations together in a single layout. First up (shown above) is the always adorable Tibi. Although very different from my own style, I've always been a fan of Tibi's playful and loose illustration style.

Ralph Lauren is up next with two beautiful illustrations painted on craft paper. I love the contrast here of the white gowns and blond hair against the tan brown paper. The collection showed this morning and as expected it was absolutely stunning! I suggest you take a look.

Last up is this great group of sketches by Peter Som. These are penned sketches with minimal coloring placed in the skin and hair. This is something that I often do when rendering thumbnail sketches for clients. Coloring in only the skin tone is a quick way to make the garment design stand out.

You can check out WWD and NY Mag for more designer illustrations and inspiration from New York Fashion Week and for previous Fabulous Doodles picks, click on over to Part 1 and Part 2.

These illustrations are all by the credited designers but over the weekend I'm going to edit a post of the sketches that I drew at Lincoln Center while sketching for NYFW sponsor Samsung!

(Illustrations by Designers)

Live Sketching at New York Fashion Week

I'm excited to share that I am live-sketching custom fashion illustrations at New York Fashion Week in the Samsung Galaxy lounge at Lincoln Center! Anyone attending NYFW can pop by and get sketched by me on a Samsung Galaxy tablet and the illustration will be sent directly to you via email. Normally I'm a pencil-and-marker-to-paper kind of girl and I admit, I was a little intimidated as I've never drawn on a tablet before. I've had a day to play around with it though and its been fun figuring out all the tools and effects to achieve the illustrative look I want, like the stylized girl I drew for this invite (above.) I just may have to add a Samsung Galaxy tablet to my wish list!

Designer Sketches for NYFW Fall 2014 {Part 2}

Here in New York fashion week is in full swing and fortunately I've been a little busy with unexpected fashion show invites and pop up projects so thats why part 2 of my designer sketch round up is coming at you a little delayed. First up of these designer illustrations just may be my favorite sketch of the whole season, by Rebecca Minkoff. Her illustration (shown above) exemplifies everything I love about fashion illustration. Its sleek, stylish and edgy while being a completely readable fashion illustration and a beautiful visual. I actually saw Rebecca at NYFW in the lobby of Lincoln Center a few days ago and was tempted to say hi and gush over her illustrations but instead decided to play it cool (or wimped out! You decide. ;)

Next up is NYFW staple DKNY. These two designs are whimsical and fun collage illustrations that use swatches of actual fabric and patterns from the collection atop stylized fashion figures. College is unexpected medium in fashion illustration and can be hit or miss but these are great. I love the intricacy of the faces and that unexpected pop of color with bubble gum pink hair.

This watercolor illustration by Vera Wang is sassy and simple and a departure from the regular illustration style to come from Vera. Perhaps this more casual illustrative look is hinting at whats to come in her fall 2014 collection. Regardless its nice to see watercolor and gauche used in fashion illustration and always makes me want to whip out mine and start experimenting.

I love unique poses and this profile pose that Milly used is perfect. It compliments the design, showing off the exaggerated collar and the drama of such a full gathered skirt. Its also a nice example of a pen and ink outlined sketch and how you don't have to over render features to have a successful sketch. In contrast is the Charlotte Ronson sketch, shown on the right which is fully rendered and quite realistic with the detail in the facial features. Both work, it just comes down to the look you're going for and your comfort level in drawing.

Check back in a day or two for the final selection of designer sketches and flip through WWD and NY Magazine for more designer inspirations. And for Part 1 of my Fall 2014 round up click here.

(All Illustrations by Designers)

Designer Sketches for NYFW Fall 2014 {Part 1}

The best part of New York Fashion Week, for me, is usually the days leading up to it when designers release their sketches for a peek at whats to come from their collections! Today was the start of New York Fashion Week and the fashion illustrations have been pouring out over the past few days. Since there are so many to share this season I've decided to break up all my favorite sketches into a few posts and here, for part one I've chosen all the sketches that are light, etherial and simple. Lela Rose shown above, is always a favorite of mine and it's not hard to see why when you look at the delicate lace rendering on the skirt and beautifully stylized figure. 

Next is a great sketch that is slightly more bold with heavier pen and inked lines but still light and clean by Rebecca Vallance. For this illustration I love the attitude in the face and pose and the contrast in the overall illustration. Brandon Sun is another frequent favorite featured here on Fabulous Doodles. I absolutely love this sketch and how clearly it conveys the garments various textures; the sheer Swarovski encrusted skirt paired with a heavily textured and ribbed jacket and barely there figure lines. 

Lastly are two beautifully rendered evening gowns. The first one on the left by Erin Featherston, is a long sleeved, floor length lace gown. Once again I'm a fan of the way the lace is rendered and the attention to detail, clearly showing the gown's scalloped eyelash hem. Erin's sketches also always have a whimsical flirty feel to them, which here is conveyed with the one exaggerated eye. Jenny Packham's illustration, is monotone and simple but quite successful, using a strong confident pose for a delicate and etherial draped gown. 

Check back tomorrow for part 2 of my NYFW Fall 2014 top picks of designer sketches and visit WWD and NY Magazine for more designer inspiration from the collections. 

Pantone Inspired Designer Fashion Illustrations for Spring

Pantone released their annual Spring Color Fashion Report the highlight of which for me is always seeing the designers fashion illustrations that are paired with the chosen Pantone color collection. "For spring 2014 designers are pairing soft pastels with vivid brights to create a colorful equilibrium." I've chosen a few of my favorites to spotlight here but you can check out and even download the whole Pantone Report here.

First up is Saunder by Emily Saunders and Rachel Roy. I adore a dramatic fro so needless to say this Saunders sketch (shown above) was a must share. Rachel Roy is another. Her sketches are regular features here on Fabulous Doodles because they're such strong characters, with unique poses and always the ideal balance of being fully rendered readable sketches while maintaining a stylized and sketchy-artistic quality. Perfection.

Next  up is not one but two sketches both by Tracey Reese (shown above.)  These are a little different, more flat and the skin tone almost appears to be computer generated but they have an overall nice feel and movement. Its also different to see designers sketches in a pose like this, walking and talking, as opposed to a basic front view. 

Both Lela Rose and BCBGMaxAzria have kept their sketches simplistic and minimal however lovely and understandable. The garments designs are clear and well rendered while they both only allude to a face and barely render the skin tones. Although slightly different styles, they are both successful fashion illustrations. 

I always like when designers and illustrators mix techniques within their illustrations and this Sachin + Babi sketch is one of them. The vibrant skirt appears to be rendered with pastels and/or watercolors. The color is strong and saturated and its has deep shadows and highlights. Then the top, face and skin are delicately drawn in soft pencil or charcoal. Its a wonderful combination and makes for a beautiful sketch. 

Last up are two playful sketches by Cynthia Steffe and Christian Siriano. Both sketches are soft partially rendered illustrations with clear clothing details and little emphasis to the face or figure. They're light, simple and lovely sketches that successfully represent the designers spring 2014 collections. 

If you'd like to see more designer sketches from the Pantone for spring 2014 you can check out the Color Report in its entirety here. And for more designer illustrations from spring 2014 my NYFW Spring 2014 posts here and here.

NYFW Party Sketching for Vogue & Brian Atwood

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of live-sketching party guest fashion illustrations for Vogue magazine on the last night of New York Fashion Week. This event was in celebration of the new B. Brian Atwood handbag collection, and was held at Bloomingdales flagship NYC store. It was hosted by Helena Glazer, the impeccably dressed and always uber-chic fashion blogger behind Brooklyn Blonde (shown above with my sketch of her, which was the first of the evening.)

Since this event had such a large crowd, the fashion illustrations were given as a gift with purchase to anyone who bought a bag form the collection. Most of the part guests were women, including lots of Vogue staffers and the Brian Atwood team, but I did illustrate one man, Brian's handsome partner Dr. Jake Deutsch. He's also the only sketch of the night [understandably] not sporting a new purse!

It was great end to NY Fashion Week live sketching with Vogue and Brian Atwood at Bloomingdales!  I hope you enjoy a few of my pictures and sketches from the night.

If your interested in rates for live-sketching at a corporate event or private party of your own, or have a question, you can email me at FabulousDoodles@gmail.com.

Designer Sketches from NYFW Spring 2014 Collections {Part 2}

New York Fashion Week comes to an end today and closing it out is the designer behind one of my favorite inspirations sketches of this season, Ralph Lauren. His inspiration, along with these two from  Joie and Honor were three of my favorite stylized sketches from spring 2014. These pieces are all quite artistic and stylized, and certainly not your typical "fashion illustration" but they are all such beautiful pieces of artwork and examples of illustration.

Joie's inspiration (shown above) is a stunning use of mixed media. They combined a beautiful illustration with actual fabric swatches of textured whites to the paper and make tiny gathers to create the clothing silhouette. They also used a craft paper base, which you know I'm a huge fan of these days and have been illustrating on and experimenting with myself. (Remember this project for Vogue and Bobbi Brown)  

Next up is Ralph Lauren's simple yet powerful watercolor silhouette. Again, not your typical "fashion illustration" but such a wonderful minimal painting. Sometimes keeping it simple and showing restraint makes more of an impact, or as they say "less is more." I'm curious to see his collection this morning and see if this feeling is carried through to the collection. 

Lastly is Honor. At first glance this sketch seems to be just a floral appliquéd veil. It's only once you take a closer look and see the figure beneath veil: the head, the long arm, the tiered black dress, that you see how impressive this stylized illustration truly is. I would love to have a piece like this framed in my apartment. It also makes me want to whip out the gouache and experiment with painting layers of whites over a pencil sketch. 

These three designer illustrations from New York Fashion Week inspire me to take risks and experiment in my own artwork. Fashion illustration doesn't have to be traditional. Sometimes thinking outside the box can is where your creativity can truly flourish.  

Check out part 1 of my NYFW designer sketches for spring 2014.

(Fashion Illustrations by Ralph Lauren, Joie and Honor from WWD)