The Golden Age Of Couture - Paris and London 1947-57

A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to go to the Golden Age of Couture exhibition at the V&A. The museum displayed over 100 authentic vintage ball gowns designed by the likes of Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent and Balmain from1947 to 1957, the time known as the Golden Age Of Couture. The glamorous dresses were adorned with beautiful detailing stitched upon impeccable tailoring. It was one of the most mesmerising collections I had ever seen and as I sketched and admired the stunning array of silks and pleats, I felt as if I was part of the dresses. I don’t think anything has ever made me feel so ambitious, inspired and alive.

As soon as I realised there was a book available on the couture dresses, I literarily flung open my purse and bought it for £35.00 in hardback.

Everything about the book is stunning, even the quality is at the highest possible standard; I actually feel like I should be wearing glove when I handle it.
The book has 224 pages, filled with 97 colour images, and 80 black and white illustrations. Not only is it the most jaw dropping collection of vintage couture photos I have ever seen, but it also includes the original design sketches for the dresses. The images range from well-known couture photography, to rare photos that I feel blessed to own. With every turn of the page, The Golden Age Of Couture leaves me spellbound.






























































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100 Years of Fashion Illustration

The newest edition to my bookshelf; 384 pages of beautiful, unique illustrations over the last ten decades. Truly worth every penny, the book has such varied artwork and lets me explore all types of illustration.
























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Artist in the spotlight - David Downton

David Downton is one of today’s most well known fashion illustrators, his work has appeared on the covers of several publications, and used for advertisements the world over, not to mention all the celebrities he has personally drawn. It is the remarkable attention to detail and awareness of space and lines, which makes his work so unique and stunning. Downton never set out to be a fashion illustrator, as he was never originally interested in fashion. He worked as a freelance illustrator for 15 years, doing small illustrations for a range of subjects; his first job was drawing the cover of “Which Computer” magazine back in the 80s. Downton’s spectacular approach to drawing led him to produce fashion images for various clients, and in 1996 he was sent to draw at the Paris Haute Couture shows for a magazine. Despite his lack of interest in fashion illustration in the early years of his career, he has always appreciated them as artists, and notably loved and admired the work of Gruau, Antonio and Eric.

The style in which Downton illustrates is wonderfully unique. He draws like any other artist; mirroring what he sees. But once his work looks right, he eliminates parts so it looks spontaneous and ironically, uncontrolled. Downton works mostly in water-colour or gauche, but for larger artworks he tends to use cut paper collage and proceeds to apply line using an acetate overlay.

During his career he has drawn various celebrities; Erin O’Connor, Catherine Deneuve, Liz Hurley, Jerry Hall, Paloma Picasso, Joan Collins, Dita von Teese, Iman, Linda Evangelista, twiggy and notable fashion designers.

In an interview, Downton spoke of his opinion towards fashion.
"Couture really is a parallel universe - I've heard it described as the kingdom of indulgence, which is true, but it is also extremely inspiring for an artist or illustrator; the worlds most beautiful women, designers working without constraint - the sheer theatricality of it all - there is a lot to draw!"

His works remind me of early vogue covers, but with modern attributes. Each illustration is delicate, personal and tastefully elegant.













































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Artist in the spotlight - Stina Person

What I love about Stina Persons is the diversity in her ability to use different materials in her work, each echoing her unique effortless style. Her work is always beautifully coloured and she has let the natural imperfections of watercolours run free creating such vibrant and beautifully abstract images.















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