Fashion flourishes


Not one but two fashion illustration exhibitions upcoming for the end of the year. DIOR ILLUSTRATED: RENE GRUAU AND THE LINE OF BEAUTY opens at Somerset House on 10th November, celebrating the inky lines of Gruau and featuring specially commissioned work from six UK illustrators that will draw inspiration from Gruau and the House of Dior. Not familiar with Gruau’s work? Here’s a reminder:



Meanwhile, DRAWING FASHION at the Design Museum (from 17th November) is an in-depth look at fashion illustration from the 20th and 21st century, from the collection of expert Joelle Chariau. Co-curated by Colin McDowell, it will feature film clips, news reels, clothes, music and photography alongside the original artworks. I can’t wait to see the Antonio Lopezes close up. As we move further into the digital age, we need to be reminded of the art of putting pen/pencil/gouache to paper.

Antonio Lopez illustrations: