Beauty Illustrations {Vogue & Bobbi Brown}

The lovelies at Vogue Magazine reached out to me again about two weeks ago to create beauty fashion illustrations featuring Bobbi Brown Cosmetics new summer collection for a makeup event at Saks Fifth Avenue. They were open to creative input so I suggested something different, using tan craft paper as the background of the illustrations, putting the focus on the makeup and its bronzy colors. I sent this recent doodle I instagramed and this post as examples of what the artwork for this project could look like and they were on board and let me run with it.

I illustrated three different looks, the first and my personal favorite is "Beach Bronze Night" shown above. This look is all about a golden bronze eye and peachy pout. Since it's the evening look I gave her a sparkling drop earring and dark silky hair for dramatic contrast.

"Summer Bright" is next. This look called for a bold and bright passion fruit glossy lip, coral shimmer blush and sharp black ink eyeliner. As the bright day look I gave her a casual and fun side braid with a lavender hair tie and huge pout for that bold lip color.

The third look, "Beach Bronze Day" is the most natural of the group. It consists of a nude cheek tint, bronzed pink lip tint, and sandy gold eye shadows. I complimented this look with a white striped headscarf and bright green eyes. I tried to give each girl her own style and personality since Bobbi Brown is all about celebrating individuality. 

(Top: Brooke Hagel, Saks 5th Avenue. Bottom: Bobbi Brown makeup artists with Vogue's Cara Crowley, Bobbi Brown display in Saks) 

Walking into the Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store and seeing my sketches on display for Bobbi Brown and Vogue was quite the pinch-me moment. My illustrations were incorporated on displays in multiple areas of the first floor beauty department and seemed to be a huge hit both with the Bobbi Brown makeup artists, Vogue staffers, and event guests, who repeatedly posed for pictures with and alongside the illustration displays.    

(Top: Beach Bronze Night Illustration by Brooke Hagel on display in Saks, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. Bottom: Cara Crowley Instagram, Brooke and Cara.) 

I'm so happy with how these illustrations came out and that Vogue and Bobbi Brown took a bit of chance and let me use the tan craft paper instead of standard white. This was a wonderful project to work on and certainly a proud moment having my illustrations on display in such an iconic institution as Saks Fifth Avenue.

Sociologie Wines {Fashion Illustration Wine Bottles}

This time last year I was contacted by the lovely creator of Sociologie Wine about illustrating some fashionable girls to compliment the flavors of her new wine collection. Lots of ideas were discussed and many emails, phone calls and pins exchanged. Well, I'm thrilled to say that it has been nearly one year and Sociologie Wines with Brooke Hagel illustrations on each bottle has launched and are now on store shelves nation wide!

These wine sipping fashion illustrations were such an enjoyable project and wonderful collaborative process. We discussed at length the flavor profiles of each wine and came up with personalities and social settings for each. We also decided to stylize the sketches by having the clothing and accessories fully rendered in color, which put more of the focus on the fashion while leaving the girl as a line drawn sketch, without any skin tone or hair color, to appeal to a wider variety of women regardless of ethnicity.

We collaborated on the outfits, colors, and overall look of each girl to enhance her unique flavor profile. Blushing Rose (personally my favorite Sociologie girl) is a light pink floral sangria, ideal for sipping throughout a party, perhaps a summer birthday soiree or afternoon shower. We put her in a party-ready flirty short pink dress, with delicate roses in her hair and gold accessories.

The Berry Red Sangria girl is little more risqué, she's a classic all-American girl but has edge. The kind of girl who see's a stunning gold sequined skirt and pairs it with a chambray shirt, chunky leather belt and her grandma Sally's pearls. And last but not least there's the wild White Citrus girl with her bright lemon yellow peplum dress, bold green bow heels and voluminous layers of textured curls.

These are the first three wines to launch the Sociologie brand but more are currently in the works and I can't wait to start sketching new girls for them. Its always a thrill to see my sketches on products but these have been particularly cool and exciting. It was such a pleasure to work with Amy of Sociologie, I'm so proud of the results and so excited for her and her growing business.

Branding Sketches for The Stylish One

Here are some fun new back-view head shots I illustrated for Boston based writer and wardrobe and bridal stylist Julie Digiovine of The Stylish One. Julie's previous branding included the back high bun, but although Julie is also a brunette, she told me she rarely ever wears her hair up. I wanted the artwork to resonate with her so I whipped up two rough sketches, one of her recognizable bun logo and another resembling her hair down, as she wears it. Well Julie liked them so much she decided to incorporate and trademark both fashion illustrations into her branding and site remodel!

Julie was absolute pleasure to work with, I wish all my custom client commissions were as easy breezy as working with The Stylish One.

Eva Mendes Sketches for Vogue Eyewear Party

A little over a week ago I flew to LA to live sketch at Vogue Eyewear's party celebrating Eva Mendes as the new face of their campaign. Before heading out west I sketched a bunch of fashion illustrations of Eva in various frames based off campaign shots that the lovely group at Luxottica, Vogue Eyewear's parent company, had sent me. I drew Eva in about six different eyewear looks, scanned the art and emailed them off to Luxottica in Milan and their PR company in New York. Then I crossed my fingers that all parties involved would like them.

Well, like them they did, because when I arrived at the event in Beverly Hills the space was filled with large framed prints of my illustrations. I even overheard some of the Luxottica ladies talking about shipping them back to Milan for their offices! Since Eva was hosting the soiree I decided to bring signed mini prints of the sketches for her, and was told she loved them too.

I'm still editing photo's of the event which I'll share later in the week, including some live-sketches I drew of the party guests and photo's of the sexy venue but in the mean time I wanted to post a few of my favorites of the beautiful Eva Mendes.

Dry Bar Hair Menu Sketches

Next week I'm heading out to LA to live sketch at a party in Beverly Hills. Since press will be there I was thinking I'd treat myself to nice blowout before the event so I called the hotel concierge to find out if they knew of a blow dry bar nearby. I know this sounds ridiculous but it reminded me that I have yet to share here the new hair menu sketches I was commissioned to illustrate for the Blo menu and site.

This new hair menu is quite different from the previous sketches I've worked on for them (both their first hair menu and the Barbie NYFW menu.) These are more stylized and sketchy and all have a similar stoic face, which was requested by the client. We went back and forth a bit on coloring effects and in the end they asked if their graphic designer could add in the splashes of color, which is something I've never had done before, as normally all my sketches are my hands only. I like how they came out though and its great to see them all finished and up on the Blo site. Their Beverly Hills locations not open yet, its coming soon, otherwise I'd be heading there this week to see the menu and get my hair blown. 

Mommy Illustrations {A Baby Affair}

Moms, babys and kids don't come across my sketchbook too often (unlike my staple brides) so working on these sketches of mommies and their tiny tots for A Baby Affair was fun change. This illustration of a chic mom on-the-go with her bugaboo stroller is the main one chosen for web and branding, but for this luxury expo focused toward the modern mom and moms-to-be I sketched a whole bunch of moms and thier little ones. All the illustrations will be used on signage throughout the event but here's a peek at a few of my faves.

The best element of these illustrations, in my humble opinion, is the adorable little girl peeking out from behind her moms leg. I mean, a big pink skirt, wild curls, and patterned tights?! Cutie-pie perfection. For more information about this Washington D.C. luxury expos, you can click here: A Baby Affair or A Chic Affair for its bridal expo "sister" I feaured yesterday.

(Illustrations by Brooke Hagel)

Bridal Illustrations {A Chic Affair}

Recently I was commissioned by producers of luxry expos and events to sketch a handful of illustrations for two events coming soon to the Washington, D.C. area. The first one is A Chic Affair, a luxury bridal expo with the modern and savvy bride in mind. They chose this romantic and pouty bride as the face of the event, to use on thier site and all event branding.

I also drew an assortment of brides in varying gown silhouettes to be used on large banner artwork throughout the event space. Tomorrow I'll share some more illustrations for their sister expo focused on modern moms and their tiny tots.

(Illustrations by Brooke Hagel) 

Custom Fashion Illustrations

Last year I had some wonderful fashion industry clients who commissioned custom illustrations for their business' branding and I thought I would share a few of my favorites from different categories; makeup, styling and fashion blogging.

First up is makeup artist Alexis Frank. She wanted a sketch representing herself at work doing makeup, in her favorite look of leather pants, a tank top, and stilettos, with layers of gold accessories and her tool belt of brushes. Alexis also asked me to create a business card design. I gave her a few options but in the end we went with this playful yet modern and clean font. I send her a referral link to moo, who I can't rave about enough for their fantastic card quality, and her new fashion illustrated cards were on their way.

This next fashion illustration is of Rebecca, an adorable magazine editor with a side business in personal styling. Her business is called LBD Stylist, so of corse her illustration is decked out in a chic little black dress, pointy toe heels, and a sparkling statement necklace, all inspired by Rebecca's favorite designers.

Last but certainly not least is sweet southern fashion blogger of Just Dandy and new e-boutique owner Danielle Downing of ShopDandy. Danielle was lovely to work with and knew exactly what she wanted with detailed pictures of hair, jewels, a pose and an exact shade of hot pink for the flouncy frock.

It was great working with each of these girls to create a fashion illustration that truly represented them, their style, and their businesses.

Anna Karenina Inspired Banana Republic

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)

Blush Band Wardrobe Styling

Months ago I was thrilled to be contacted by the manager of the pan Asian pop girl group Blush to collaborate on their wardrobe and styling. I ended up sketching each band member in a wardrobe illustration that fit her personality, taste and comfort level while complimenting one another and staying true to a monochromatic palette of "blush" pink, black and white. Each girl truly has her own unique styling esthetic. Angeli's a girly girl who loves lace, Victoria likes tight and tailored with a elegant and preppy vibe, Ji Hae is uber-blingy and hasn't met a sequin she hasn't liked, Natsuko is edgy and likes a touch of masculinity, and Alisha favors fun urban looks and can't live without her hoops!

This was such a fun project to work on. The Blush girls were a joy to work with and I'm excited to see them grow. Blush is already making history. Blush are the only singers to date to, from Asia, to have their first two singles hit #3 (Undivided featuring Snoop Dogg) and #1 (Dance On) on the US Billboard chart. Now maybe their styling will be a hit too!? You can check out Blush here on iTunes.

Which Blush girl's style resignates with you? I'm a Victoria/Angeli mix myself.

(Illustration by: Brooke Hagel)

Belts, Bags, Black & White

Not long ago I was asked to create an assortment of fashion illustrations as well as consult on the branding and design esthetic for an accessory company called Bali Belts Studio. I created eight illustrations of fashion forward girls all sporting their belts while donned in classic black and white. Having a background in brand development, I advised that keeping the color story simple will prevent the sketches from becoming dated and will be relatable to multiple markets.

My design idea's were implemented and my sketches featuring the companies handbags and belts were used as decor in their NYC showroom, as well as within trade show booth displays at The Accessories Show in New York, and Magic in Vegas.

Syms & Filene's Basement Project

About two months ago I was approached by a branding group to sketch fashion illustrations for a new re-branding proposal for discount chain stores Syms and Filene's Basement. They commissioned me to draw some simple line illustrations to be used in ad mock-ups for their proposal presentation.

Normally I'd feel uncomfortable sharing conceptual artwork that never made it to print but since the retail giant announced that they were filling Chapter-11 and would be closing all their stores I thought I would share a few examples from the project with you.

I grew up making frequent trips to Filene's Basement with my mom and I'm sad to see them close, although it was a thrill to work on this little project for them before they bid adieu.

Spotted: VIP Brooklit Fans

Being out and about in the city and at different events I often encounter some pretty notable people whom I like to chat it up with such as Bobbi Thomas and Louise Roe (shown below.) Since I'm a artist, I feel that there's no better way to network then by sharing a visual reference of what it is I do. My business cards, printed by Moo, feature different illustrations from my portfolio, so its as though I have a mini portfolio on me at all times. After showing all my cards, I then let people pick their favorite.

Pictured here are some of the aforementioned VIPs: Today Show's style editor Bobbi Thomas, whom I met at Lincoln Center for NY Fashion Week. Bobbi chose my Vogue illustration card and fashion journalist and tv host Louise Roe, whom I had the pleasure of meeting with at the Empire, opted for both Vogue and Mystie.

The Style Network's Jeannie Mai chose to take a bite out of my Vogue illustration at a Style breakfast! And Paper Magazine's fabulous Editorial Director, Mickey Boardman whom I also met at NY Fashion Week went with the bold Billowing Bride.

Jaslene Gonzales, America's Next Top Model winner whom I met at the 50/50 movie premiere after party chose Eva because she loved the dramatic lace sleeves. And last but certainly not least is Design Sponge author Grace Bonney who also favored the Billowing Bride.

For you non-facebookers I'm sharing these photo's here on Fabulous Doodles, but if you'd like to check out some more of them, I recently created a album on my Facebook fan page that I plan to continually add to.

Watercolor Fashion

Happy weekend everyone! A few days ago I stumbled upon these lovely watercolor fashion illustration ads and knew I had to share them with you. They're timeless, whimsical and just scream "Fabulous Doodles".

After a little research I learned that the watercolor paintings are all by the artist Holly Houk. She was commissioned by Kwiat to create a vintage-style backdrop for their latest advertising campaign of blue-tinted watercolor "models" for the jewels to lay over.

I think these ads are divine. I commend Kwiat on thinking outside the box and wish more brands would take advantage of all the talented painters, illustrators and artists out there.

Mini Portfolio {New Business Cards}

I absolutely love my new business cards, as does everyone I hand them to. I recently designed my first set of Moo cards and I can say with 100% certainly that once you go Moo there's no going back. The cards are heavy weight, have a smooth satin finish and show off every intricate detail of my fashion illustrations. With Moo your able to upload as many as 100 different images to each card order. This means that whenever I'm describing what I do to someone new I can now show them all my cards, a sort of mini portfolio, and let them chose the fashion illustration they like best to keep, with my shop website, blog, and contact info.

I uploaded 8 of my favorite sketches, but I'm thinking I may just place another soon to throw a few more illustrations into the mix. Perhaps a few more of my brides or red carpet looks. It also may be nice to use Moo to create my next round of gift tags for the holidays, since the cards are printing are such high quality. . .What can I say, I guess I'm addicted to Moo.

Follow my blog with bloglovin

New to my shop: Pocket Mirrors

I'm thrilled to share my new pocket mirrors. I'm always trying to think of products to adorn with "my girls" and expand my shop selections. If my customers are anything like me then you don't leave home without a handful of essentials, one being a mini mirror for lip gloss application, contact lens adjustment or the occasional teeth check. ;)

Each mirror is 2 1/4" and features a cropped "head shot" of my fashion illustrations. I've chosen ten of my favorite girls with varying hair colors, and fashion styles so hopefully there's one for everyone and you can chose the one that resembles you or friends the most. (As they'd make a great little gift!)

Click here to view and purchase all the new pocket mirrors available in my shop.

(All the beautiful papers used as a "backdrop" in these shots are wallpaper samples from Graham & Brown.)

Portfolio Mood Board

Since I've been on a little mood board/inspiration kick this week I thought I'd share a mood board from my product design portfolio with you. For nearly four years I was the Designer of a Brand Development Department. One of my job responsibilities was to create seasonal trend boards for brand managers, editors, retailers, and licensees.

Ballet Dreams is a board I made to inspire a teen bedding collection. In person the board measured about 2' x 3' and was three dimensional, but it's hard to tell in the photo. Maybe this board will motivate you to pull some looks together and find fabrics, colors, and images that inspire you.

All the fabrics used on the boards were purchased at Mood Fabrics. Unfortunately I made this a while ago and do not have much credit information for the images, I am sorry. Top left: Michael Kors bathing suit, Top right: Balenciaga, Bottom right: Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker ad.

My Mini Makeover

I don't know if this is an issue for all creative and artist types, but I have a major problem committing to a look, but only when tackling myself and my own brand. When I'd work on projects for clients or particular brands its never a problem to pin point the brand identity, develop the brand esthetic and create mood boards, products, or art direction. Somehow though when its for myself I'm the queen of indecisiveness.

I'm not sure if this is definitely the look I'm going to stick with, and I hate the idea of changing it again, but enough is enough and I need to at least try this out. So as I'm sure you've noticed my blog has gotten a little face-lift with a new header. Now the blog visually matches my facebook fan page logo, twitter page, etsy shop banner (above), and business cards (shown below.)

I'm toying with changing my blog name, and making my brand more cohesive. (I love Fabulous Doodles, and feel it captures what my blog and my illustrations are all about. Fabulous being a staple in fashion lingo and doodles meaning cute sketches. Although my illustrations are more than casual doodles.) My email is also FabulousDoodles@gmail.com but maybe everything should be called Brooklit like my etsy shop or maybe I should just use my full name, as I do on my facebook fan page.

Oy, I just don't know. Sorry for the rant, I just thought I'd share my little dilemma here with you. Please comment or email me any feedback you may have, I'd appreciate the input. :)

Calling all fans

I finally made a Facebook fan page, now I just need some fans! Click here to become a fan, view photo albums of my work or to simply say hi. (I've been working on a little re-branding here, this Brooke Hagel logo for the fan page is the first design to go live. Hope you like it!)

The illustration above is one I drew for the Material Girls page so that fans could "find them" on Facebook. They asked for a head-shot of the same Marie Antoinette character I drew in their headers, looking through a pair of vintage opera glasses. (She makes me want to layer on the jewels and find a pair of white gloves!)