Live Fashion Illustrations for Vogue & Joie

Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 9:30 AM

Last week I live illustrated at another fabulous Vogue magazine soiree, this time a holiday fete with Joie at their gorgeous new shop downtown in Soho. (Coincidently its directly across the street from Piperlime, the spot of the last Vogue party I live illustrated at!) This was a much smaller more intimate party and I actually got to sketch some dashing men this time, as you can see in the photos above.

It was really a fun little holiday party. Live fashion illustrating can be a little nerve wracking but with chic party guests like these to sketch and lovely people to work with like the team from Vogue, its an honor and a pleasure and all trepidation fades fast.

(Photos and fashion illustrations by Brooke Hagel)

Gap Fashion Illustrations for InStyle Party

Monday, December 17, 2012 at 10:29 AM

Two weeks ago I was hired to create some fashion illustrations for an event with Gap and InStyle magazine! Being a huge fan of both powerhouse brands I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to sketch for them.

The project involved two parts, first I had to create sketches in advance of the party that would be scaled up and printed out as posters to adorn the interactive art wall/step and repeat that guests would see when they arrived at the NYC flagship store event. The second part was, while everyone was mingling, I live sketched the event hosts; Kimberly Pesch of Eat.Sleep.Wear (shown with her sketch below), Christine Cameron of My Style Pill and DJ Harley Viera Newton.

All the Gap fashion illustrations shown throughout this post were inspired by the "Outfit's We Love" spotlighted on Gap.com. They're a bright mix of cozy and luxe layers styled with plaids, stripes and colorful basics. Throughout the event I live sketched the three hosts who were decked out in head to toe Gap looks as well. As each sketch was completed it was added to the art wall so guests could take a look and snap some pics.

This was such a great evening with such positive feedback from all the guests including my [possibly bias] little brother and 90 year old grandma, the fabulous hosts as well as the teams from InStyle and Gap! It really was such a fun event to be a part of and I'm excited to share the sketches and photos.

(Photo's by Gap and InStyle, Illustrations by Brooke Hagel)

Fashion Illustrations for InStyle & Gap

Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 11:14 AM

I'm so excited to share my recent sketches for Gap and InStyle! You're invited to come tomorrow night and see my fashion illustrations of some of Gap's "Outfit's We ♥." You can snap a picture with my sketches on the Gap Art Wall, as well as say hello and watch me sketch the two super stylish hosts of the evening, Kimberly Pesch of Eat.Sleep.Wear and Christine Cameron of My Style Pill.

Where: Gap, 60 West 34th Street @ Broadway

When: Tursday Dec. 6th 6:30-8:30

RSVP: INSTYLE_GAP@TIMEINC.COM

Enjoy cocktails, treats, fashion illustrations and 30% off your purchases! Hope to see you there!

Fabulous Doodles 2012 Gift Guide

Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 10:08 AM

I am so excited to share the Fabulous Doodles 2012 gift guide. This year I focused on 5 unique categories; gifts for the entrepreneur/artist with a home office, fashion books with style, gifts for your "label lover" best friend, movies featuring fashion on film, and one of my favorites from last year, gifts for the little artist.

As an illustrator who works from home I can tell you the importance of having a studio/office space that is both functional and chic. An efficient work space has to be both functional and well designed, especially when working from home where its so easily to be distracted. My studio is a constant rotation of beautiful pieces that I've collected over the years.

(1. Brooklit Fashion Illustration Mini Print $6 2. Rock Our Work Agate Bookends $39 3. Brooklit Fashion Illustration Notepad $7 4. Nate Berkus for Target Round Tray $29.99 5. Kate Spade Business Card Case $58 6. West Elm Owl Mug $8 7. Freshly Picked Leather Mouse Pad $35)

Gifting art is a creative and often affordable option, especially with Etsy. My "mini print" fashion illustrations come individually or you could choose a set of three that echo the personality and style of the person you're giving it to and their space. The raw naturally beauty of agate bookends compliment any home office. I bought mine at Home Goods, but found these similar ones online. Other elements that could glam up a work space include trays like this Nate Berkus for Target beauty, which could hold cute little notepads like my "Zoey" fashion illustration pad, bowls of supplies, or a great mug of pens and pencils like the West Elm metallic owl. The geometric printed leather mouse pads are a splurge but well worth it for an everyday essential. And when networking and exchanging cards it's so important to present yourself polished and professional which is why a quality leather business card holder like this gold Kate Spade one is a wonderful gift for any entrepreneur, artist, or designer.

(1. Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington $19 2. Masters of Fashion Illustration by David Downton $19 3. Vogue Covers $91 4. Harper's Bazaar: Greatest Hits by Glenda Bailey $40 5. Survival Kit: Fashion $109 6. 100 Dresses: The Costume Institute/The Met $16.95 7. Brooklit Bookmarks $3.50)

Beautiful books make for a spectacular gift that can be appreciated for years and years. There are so many stunning fashion books available that its hard to choose which to feature. Vogue recently released this great book of vintage covers with an equally great black on black silhouetted cover. Last year I fell in love with a similar book of cover from Harper's Bazaar. For any admirer of fashion illustration David Downton's Masters of Fashion Illustration is must have. Assouline books are gorgeous and this collection of four making up their Fashion Survival Kit would be quite the killer gift. Lastly is Grace, the anticipated memoir of Vogue's Creative Director Grace Coddington. I cannot wait to read this! I'm traveling to Paris for the holidays and thinking is the ideal read for my trip. Need an accessory to the book you're giving? A fashion illustration bookmark would be a great little addition to any of these books.

(1. Chanel Lip Balm $32.50 2. Tom Ford by Tom Ford $85 3. Brooklit Notecard $5 4. Rachel Zoe Ornament $40 5. Alexander Wang Purse $79 (on sale!) 6. Marc by Marc Jacobs iPad Case $98 7. Spun Sugar Paperie Chanel Watercolor Print $19 8. Brian Atwood for Target Leather Gloves $49.99)

Tom Ford, the designer who epitomizes luxury and style also happens to have beautiful bold book that I spot constantly on the shelves of fashion elite in editorial shoots and television. For the designer label lover we all know and love I've also found some affordable giftables. Who knew Chanel made lip balm!? I sure didn't. What a jaw dropping alternative to boring old chapstick. Sending a fashion illustration card featuring a designer label, like the Lazarro gown drawn on my "lucky lady" card is another great little gift, as is Rachel Zoe's chic ornament from the Child Mind Institute's Celebrity Ornament Collection. Designer accessories are always a hit and who wouldn't be thrilled to see a little Alexander Wang, Marc by Marc Jacobs or Brian Atwood under their tree. And last but not least, a wonderful gift that would look great in every girls boudoir, is this lovely print I found on Etsy of a watercolor painting of a classic Chanel perfume.

(1. Coco Before Chanel 2. Valentino: The Last Emperor 3. The September Issue 4. The Thomas Crown Affair 5. Audrey Hepburn Triple Feature 6. The Devil Wears Prada)

Movies make great little gifts for your closest friends to your office secret Santa. Here is a handful of my favorite fashion films great for gifting: Coco Before Chanel is the wonderful story of how Coco Chanel began her career. Valentino The Last Emperor is a the must watch documentary that I've gushed about here before. The September Issue documents the making of Vogue's biggest issue of the year and features Creative Director Grace Coddington who steels the show. You can't help but be in awe of her heartfelt passion, creativity and integrity. The 1999 Thomas Crown Affair remake showcases a flawless wardrobe worn by Renee Russo, which was primarily designed by Michael Kors for Celine and Halston. The triple feature dvd of Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy and Edith Head, well really, enough said. And lastly the Devil Wears Prada which I actually once gave to a fashion industry boss as a holiday gift! (He loved it.)

(1. The Fashion Coloring Book by Carol Chu $9 2. Jonathan Adler Whale Eraser $9.95 3. Fashion Origami $9 4. Met Kids Sketchpad $7.99 5. Play-Doh $8 6. Fingerprint Art Set $10)

For the little artist in your life how about giving this chic fashion coloring book? And if they're concerned with staying in the lines then the giant Jonathan Adler whale eraser will do the trick. Fashion origami!? So much better than the fortune tellers and stars we used to make. The MetKids Chunky Sketchpad is a great gift for any little artist to get their sketch on and a classic set of Play-Doh is heaven for those who like to work with their hands and create. And last but not least a wonderful little craft set that helps you turn your fingerprints into fancy little fairies.

Hope you enjoyed this years gift picks. Will you be picking up any as gifts? Happy shopping and hope you all have a fabulous holiday!

Holiday Sale!

Friday, November 23, 2012 at 5:11 AM

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday and are all fueled up to get your shopping on. To kick of the holiday season I'm offering 15% off in both my fashion illustration Etsy shops starting today, Black Friday into Small Business Saturday and right through Cyber Monday. Simply use coupon code "Holiday15" for 15% off in either my fashion illustration shop Brooklit, or my bridal illustration shop Brooklit Bride.

(Illustration by Brooke Hagel)

New Holiday Cards

Monday, November 19, 2012 at 11:59 PM

I'm excited to share my new fashion illustration holiday card collection with you. I really enjoyed sketching the girls in this collection. To keep the illustrations playful I tried to add festive elements like Santa hats, chicly wrapped presents, and of corse inspiring fashion like my favorite look from NY Fashion Week the Oscar de la Renta black and white striped gown or the bow backed Christian Louboutins (shown below left.)

Before I could even post about them here on Fabulous Doodles they've been selling out faster than Missoni for Target. Friends, family and colleagues have been snapping them up before I could even add them to the shop!

I switched it up with this year's collection by pairing the cards with beautiful metallic gold envelopes. I'm having quite a gold loving moment right now, plus the gold really compliments the colors in the illustrations. If I do say so myself! ;)

To purchase a card or see the rest of my holiday collection check out my Etsy shop Brooklit. I'll be adding a few more cards over the next week or two and am currently accepting orders for large quantities.

Brave's Merida Inspired by Fashion Illustration?

Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 8:59 PM

My favorite fashion illustration, Vogue seems to have found her celebrity look-a-like in Brave's Princess Merida, the latest creation to come from the Disney Imagineers and Pixar. From the first time I saw a promo for Brave I though she was a dead on doppelgänger of my loved sketch. Perhaps one of the Imagineers was inspired by my work!? (A girl can dream.) Vogue with her wild curly hair and big blue eyes has always been dear to me. She's actually the very first illustration I drew to open my Etsy shop with back in 2007 and the only fashion illustration of mine I have framed and hung in my home.

Today Brave is being released on blu-ray and dvd, and I just may have to pick up a copy or rent it as I can't resist a Disney Princess. Up until now The Little Mermaid's Ariel has always been my favorite but who knows maybe after seeing Brave it will be Merida. Who's your favorite Disney Princess?

(Still shot from Brave by Disney/Pixar, and illustration by Brooke Hagel)

Anna Karenina Inspired Banana Republic

Friday, November 2, 2012 at 5:33 AM

This week the Anna Karenina Collection debuts at Banana Republic and with it comes the release of these sketches of select looks from the line. You know I can't resist chic sketches and ones with costume design tie ins, well those practically guarantee a Fabulous Doodles feature. I've been looking forward to Anna Karenina ever since first seeing the trailer months ago. Being a epic period piece, the costumes and overall film design look spectacular and worth the movie ticket alone. This BR collection is actually curated by the film's costume designer Jacqueline Durran.

The sketches are extremely stylized and seem to be done in heavy-handed, quick and sketchy technique. They remind me of the prints that are occasionally displayed in stores like BR, Club Monaco and Ann Taylor. To check out the whole Anna Karenina collection click on over to Banana Republic. (Of corse the one piece I really wanted, the BR Monogram Wool Cape, seems to be sold out already!) At least I can enjoy the sketches for now and anticipate Banana's next collaboration another with Janie Bryant and Mad Men.

(Sketches by Simon Kneen, Creative Director of Banana Republic)

Halloween Dessert Table Sketch

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 5:03 AM

Its quite an odd Halloween having just had one of the largest storms ever on record rip through the east coast wreaking such havoc on the city, but I'm pleased to report I'm safe and sound and live in a part of Manhattan that wasn't hit so badly by Hurricane Sandy. Unlike many of my friends and family I was lucky enough not to loose power an have been able to stay home. Thank you to all who reached out with concerning calls, emails, facebook messages and tweets!

A few weeks ago I was commissioned by Amy Atlas to sketch another of her exquisite dessert tables for Halloween (last one was for July 4th.) This design was to be used for a segment Amy was planning for a national television segment. Unfortunately the segment was cut due to the hurricane but Amy posted the illustration and all the elements that her and her talented team concocted for it. They even posted templates you can download and recipes (like Bewitching Bark) to make some of the elements yourself.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween and maybe this dessert table illustration will inspire my displaced neighbors, friends and family to enjoy a treat during this trying time.

Lash Menu Illustrations

Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 4:00 AM

I'm excited to share these new "lash menu" sketches I was commissioned to draw for Lash Affair Lounge. They asked me to illustrate an assortment of lash extensions offered in the new salon. I had no idea you could get lash looks ranging from a natural, soft and pretty lash boost, like "The Beauty" shown above, to intense dramatic fullness like "The Diva" shown below.

Whats funny for me about illustrating a lash menu is that I was taught not to draw tiny details like eyelashes, nails or teeth in fashion illustrations. In the past few years, especially with all my bridal illustration clients and the dramatic lash making a comeback, I've rebelled and began adding lashes to my sketches but I have to admit I feel guilty every time and wonder what my professors would say. Crazy right! (Its true, every-single-time I sketch a lash I see FIT Professor Steven Stipleman shaking his head at me.)

This was my first foray into illustrating a lash menu (hair and nails, I've drawn a few.) I'm really proud of how all these lashy ladies came out and I'm pretty sure the client, Lash Affair Lounge, loves them as well. Now I just need to get myself up to Edmonton Cananda to try out their lash services like mink lash extensions. I mean how luxuriously Oprah would that be? Fingers crossed theres a Lash Affair Lounge hitting Manhattan in the not so distant future because my lashes could use a boost.