I have always enjoyed researching fashion illustration both as a means of promoting designs and as an art in itself. I found this book by David Downton who had put together a collection of illustrations by fashion artists across the years. I particularly liked this piece by Bernard Blossac: the seemingly effortless lines and shading give the drawing a sense of ease and refinement.  I love how Blossac uses nothing but pencil to accentuate the elegant curves and shape of the garment, whilst evoking a whole world of luxury and style. As I progressed through the book I appreciated more and more the commentaries that Downton had written beside each piece, and I decided to learn more about some of his own work.

 

I went to David Downton’s own website and found an interesting interview that he’d had with Tony Glenville. He describes his style of draughtsmanship as “controlled spontaneity”. In his work, he aims to achieve strong drawing skills and fluidity, saying that “when the drawing looks right I start to eliminate, to de-construct if you like. My mantra is to keep working until it looks effortless.”

 

Downton’s bold and classy fashion illustrations have featured on the covers of high-end fashion magazines. I researched commissions he’d done as well as exhibitions and found an article in Vogue magazine called “David Downton: 15 Favourite Fashion Illustrations”. It features fifteen portraits of various models and actresses including Cate Blanchett, Amanda Harlech and Paloma Picasso, and presents a rich collection of artwork that ranges from minimalistic monochrome to big and colourful brushstrokes.

Learning how fashion designers’ work is developed and brought to life by different artists cast a new and exciting light on my perception of art and design. The idea that an artist’s creation can constantly grow, that it can be transformed by different media and developed into a whole new style highlighted the constant metamorphosis that art undergoes and how it touches each individual in a personal and unique way.