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"Fashion"
After launching her shop earlier this year, I can finally reveal the artwork I completed for some Mary Portas scarves.
Well they are finally here!
In a post back in August, I mentioned a collaboration with none other than the Queen of Shops herself, Mary Portas. Work actually began back in May when I visited House of Fraser HQ to meet Mary’s team who included partner, and editor at large of Grazia, Melanie Rickey and Nadia Jones, creative director at Oasis.
As usual in the fashion industry, deadlines were tight and I actually had to finish the project squirrelling away on a flight to the US (and the first day of my holiday).
Channel 4 recently aired a 3 part documentary on Mary’s trials and tribulations throughout the project. If you are dab hand with a pause button (and have an eagle eye), you might be able to spot my designs… somewhere.
Watch Mary Portas Queen of Frocks
Buy one of the scarves
In under a week, retail guru Mary Portas launches her own shop. Earlier this year
I was asked to produce some work for the venture.
I got in contact after discovering that Mary Portas was searching for illustrators on Twitter.
Apparently there was a huge response so I felt very lucky to be invited into House of Fraser’s offices to show my work to Mary’s team.
The work will be used as prints on a textile range aimed at women 40 and over.
Mary is best-known for her hit TV series Mary, Queen Of Shops and it is thought there will also be a TV show about the project. This is her first fashion collection and will be stocked in London’s House of Fraser from 18 August.
Watch this space for more info on the collection and the work I did for it.
Visit Mary Portas
Visit House of Fraser
I recently posted a preview of a 1960′s starburst clock made in Britain by a company called Metamec. Here’s the final illustration.
Got to the Dior Illustrated – René Gruau & The Line of Beauty show last night. With my fashion design background, how could I not like these iconic pieces that were the face of Dior advertising from the mid 50′s right into the 1980′s. The show is curated in order of campaigns / fragrances and included some of Gruau’s most iconic work.His loose, free lines and use of negative space have stuck in my mind since way back when we practiced illustration during my degree (and even beyond that). The ability to gesture the curves of a leg, from hip to toe in one fluid stroke is a talent in itself try it, I promise you – you’ll struggle. Bold lines to visualise such delicate forms, so effectively.Admittedly a few of the pieces do look a little dated now but surely that is the nature of fashion as an art? On a whole, it is a collection of timeless classics.
John Galliano was quoted “To be inspired by Dior is to be inspired by René Gruau” and I have to agree. Simplicity, femininity and sophistication, united by these two close friends through illustration and fashion.
Make sure you visit Somerset House before 9th of January.
