Asperkid's Charitable Fashion Coloring Book

A few months ago I was asked to contribute fashion history illustrations for a wonderful new charitable coloring book that has just been released; The Asperkid's Not-Your-Average-Coloring-Book written by Jennifer Cook O'Toole. This unique coloring book covers topics that appeal to kids on the autism spectrum by encouraging them to try new things and showing spectrum kids the potential career value of their natural talents through artwork based on science, nature, history, math and myths.

It was great to work on these historical fashion sketches and solely focus on the designs through line drawing. I have to mention that while the 1960's mod look (at the top) is probably my favorite of the group due to the strong pose and bold accessories, the 1970's illustration was inspired by one of my favorite photo's from the 1970's of my grandma (which I also featured here on Fabulous Doodles a while back.) As for the other two line drawings,  they gave me a great excuse to whip out my art and fashion history books and seek out some primary resources for inspiration. 

I'm honored to be a part of this coloring book and encourage you to show your support for Asperkids and order a copy for the little artist in your life, whether or not they are on the spectrum. A portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting art programs for children on the autism spectrum. Although I'm only one of the contributing illustrators featured in the book, I've added The Asperkids's Not-Your-Average-Coloring-Book to my Amazon shop under titles I've illustrated, to make it easy to find and order. Happy coloring!  

Costume Design: The Great Gatsby

As if I wasn't excited enough for Baz Luhrmann's take on The Great Gatsby, after seeing these costume design sketches, friday can't come soon enough. For the women of Gatsby, Luhrmann and costume designer Catherine Martin collaborated with Miuccia Prada to reinterpret looks from past Miu Miu and Prada collections in 40 stunning cocktail and evening dress designs. (Some may even be memorable, like this Miu Miu beaded sheath I sketched of Kerry Washington at the Golden Globes, shown below in slate blue.) I love how the illustrator chose to only render the costumes in color and leave the figures white, similar to my Sociologie wine sketches. These beautiful dresses combined with other wardrobe collaborations including Tiffany jewels and Brooks Brothers suiting will surely make for a stunning film.

On a personal note, I've always had a love of Gatsby. Actually, I grew up in the town on the north shore of Long Island where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby, which in the book is referred to as "East Egg." It was always an exciting element of my hometown's history. In high school we were even offered extra credit for giving the address of the "the Gatsby House" in English class. (Thank you Mrs. Aufses!) Walking around the city these past few weeks and seeing all the Gatsby themed windows, tv promos, and now these wonderful costume design sketches, has gotten me so excited for the new Gatsby! What are you most looking forward to you in the new Gatsby?

Best Dressed: Met Ball 2013

Last night was the fashion event of the year, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute's annual Met Ball. For this years gala stars and designers rocked their "punk"-themed best to celebrate the Met's newest exhibit PUNK: Chaos to Couture.

(Donna Karen Atelier sketch, Hailee Steinfeld in Donna Karen Atelier) 

There were so many showstoppers it was difficult to pick favorites but in the end its those that really embraced the theme and rocked out fabulous punk-couture who really nailed it. First up (shown above) is sixteen year old Hailee Steinfeld in Donna Karen Atelier alongside an adorable sketch of her in the dress (that DKNY tweeted earlier.) At first glance the dress looks sophisticated and pretty, but then up close you see that what appears to be a floral mum pattern is actually safety pins hand stitched to a cream leather dress! Its such a genius sophisticated/edgy look thats absolutely perfect for this event.  

(Kate Mara in Delpozo, Julianne Hough in custom Topshop, Blake Lively in Gucci, Chanel Iman in J Mendel, and Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon and Philip Treacy.) 

The safety pinned Donna Karen wasn't the only hit of the night though. Kate Mara in Delpozo was absolute perfection in an oxblood colored dress with a unique jeweled bodice and molded peplum. Julianne Hough's beautiful etherial custom Topshop gown was perfect on her tiny frame and the tulle fabric was actually embroidered with a delicate spider web pattern throughout. Blake Lively was jaw-droppingly glamorous in a heavily embellished pale green and black strapless Gucci Premiere gown. I rarely meet a stripe I don't like and Chanel Iman in this black and white striped J Mendel dress was a stunner, and very punk meets red carpet. And last but certainly not least is the amazing SJP in a Giles Deacon gown and Philip Treacy punk couture custom mowhawk headpiece. Its one of those looks that really only SJP channeling her inner Carrie could not only pull off but completely rock. I know there were a lot of haters on this one, but I have to say I really loved it! It was the right place, right time, and right mowhawk! 

Unfortunately I didn't make it to ball (one day, fingers crossed!!) but you better believe I'll be checking out this exhibit. The Costume Institute's PUNK: Chaos to Couture exhibit examining punk's impact on high fashion will be on display starting today through August 14, 2013.  

Costume Design: The Academy Collection

(Marilyn Monroe by Dorothy Jeakins) 

If you tuned into last night's Academy Awards arrivals you probably spotted the large costume sketches along the entire red carpet. Many were iconic sketches by legendary costume designer Edith Head but others were not as recognizable. I quickly jumped onto the Oscars website and found a bunch of costume designers sketches featured from the Oscar's official "Academy Collection." The sketch shown above is from the 1960 film Let's Make Love, which was Marilyn Monroe's second-to-last film.

(Liza Minnelli by Theadora Van Runkle) 

I'm always impressed by how well costume designers can truly capture characters features and personalities in their costume illustrations, its something I try to achieve with my custom bridal illustrations. This next costume sketch (above) is a example of that. Its of Liza Minnelli playing the part of Francine Evans in Martin Scorsese's 1977 musical New York, New York.

(Elizabeth Taylor by Helen Rose) 

This last costume design sketch just may be my favorite. The pose, the gown, and the overall rendering is simply beautiful. This classic old Hollywood illustration is of Elizabeth Taylor by costume designer Helen Rose for the 1954 MGM film Rhapsody. The rendering of the draping on this gown is stunning.

(All illustrations from The Academy Collection. Check out more costume sketches from the Academy Collection here.)

Brave's Merida Inspired by Fashion Illustration?

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

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)

Material Guy

Last week I was contacted by one of my favorite repeat clients, the Material Girls, to illustrate the newest member of their team, who surprisingly is a man! Meet the new "Material Guy." I drew him based on a image sent to me of a painted portrait from the 18th century. We kept his hair blond to match all the Marie Antoinettes that I previously drew for the girls and I added blue with gold accents for a regal touch.

You can check out some of my previous commissions for Material Girls here and here on Fabulous Doodles and here on Material Girls. (<-If you click on each city name you will see a different Marie themed illustration for each header.)

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)

July 4th Costume Sketches

Hope everyone is having a fabulous 4th of July! This year I thought it would be fun to feature costume designer illustrations (you know I can't resist a costume design!) that emanate that forth of July spark. First up is none other than costume design living legend Bob Mackie. Over his illustrious career Mackie sketched and made countless costumes for Cher. This one in particular with long beaded and feathered fringe in red, whites and blue, seems especially appropriate today.

Next up are two fantastic costume designs by William Travilla for Marilyn Monroe. The sketch on the left is probably Marilyn's most iconic and identifiable costume from the film The Seven Year Itch. The red sequined on the right is a design Travilla created for Marilyn in Gentlemen Prefer Blonds. Take note of how meticulously detailed the rendering of that beading is!

What forth of July costume post would be complete without Wonder Woman!? This working sketch by Donfeld (aka. Donald Lee Feld) was for Linda Carter. Donfeld was the costume designer for all three seasons of the Wonder Woman television series and was even nominated for a Emmy in costume design for his work on the show in 1978.

Hope everyone has a great forth of July in or out of costume! I'm heading over to the Hudson River for the Macy's fireworks with some of my girlfriends. Let you know if I spot any Wonder Women out there. ;)

2012 Olympic Uniform Designs

The 2012 London Olympics are just around the corner, which means we'll soon be tuning in to see athletes from across the globe sporting new designer uniforms. A slew of top fashion designers have designed official team uniforms for the 2012 opening and closing ceremonies, Olympic village and the actual games. Through extensive research (aka. googling) I have found a few uniform sketches to share straight from the designers. First up is Team USA designed by none other than American designer Ralph Lauren. 

Lauren's team USA uniforms (shown in both images above) are classic RL, with clean cut polo's and preppy shirt dresses in white and navy blue with hints of red. Italian athletes will be decked out in much sportier head-to-toe looks from Prada (as shown below) and Giorgio Armani, who at the the reveal of his uniforms said "this will be the most fashion Olympic games ever."

In addition to Ralph, Prada and Armani, other designer uniforms we can expect to see at the London Olympics are by Stella McCartney for Great Britain, and Cedella Marley (daughter of Bob Marley) for Jamaica. (Fingers crossed they'll release their sketches as well! You know I love a designer sketch and its nice seeing rare men fashion illustrations.)

Colleen Atwood Costume Design {Snow White & the Huntsman}

This weekend I headed to the movies to see Snow White & the Huntsman. The film was ok, but the costumes, they were spectacular. Three-time Oscar winning costume designer Colleen Atwood truly transformed Charlize Theron into evil Queen Ravenna through the most avant-garde and medieval-haute-couture wardrobe I've ever seen. Shown above is Ravenna's caged collared wedding dress built from fabrics and findings from Paris and Italy and embroidered with leather to give it an edge. The costume design sketch of her rooster feathered gown and cloak cost an estimated $32,000 and two of them had to be made since one would be covered in oil. This was the very first piece Atwood designed for the film, to be used in teaser trailers where through the help of visual effects transformed into a flock of crows. The intricate detailing and beautifully rendered fabric make for quite an impressive costume sketch.

For more about Atwoods costume designs for Snow White & the Huntsman you can check out this Vanity Fair article and I highly recommend seeing the costumes in action. The queen's crowns and chainmail and spiked leather gowns are a sight to see. 

(Images: Universal Pictures, via Vanity Fair)

Mad Men Fashion Illustration Portraits

How stunning are these David Downton illustrations inspired by Mad Men characters? I'm so in love with them that even though they're not my own I had to share them and their fabulousness here on Fabulous Doodles. Mad Men has been one of my favorite television shows since its premiere episode. In addition to the allure of the main characters, such as Don Draper, Joan Harris and Roger Sterling, the costumes are always a sight to see and in my opinion costume designer Janie Bryant is a genius. (Who also happens to have one of my dream jobs!)

It always amazes me when an artist, like Downton who works in a very stylized way can really a capture a person, feeling or mood without being overly literal. His illustration of Roger Sterling played by John Slattery (whom I actually spent a day working with when I was a wardrobe intern for Sex and the City!) in particular is so dead on in looks and attitude, it truly amazes me.

In the not so distant future I'm hoping to feature some more Mad Men illustrations, both by costume designer Janie Bryant (fingers crossed) and myself. (I'm thinking a "Women of Mad Men" series could be a fabulous addition to my print shop. What do you think?) In the mean time I'll certainly enjoy these three fabulous Downton Mad Men sketches.

(Illustrations by David Downton)

Met Ball 2012: Oscar de la Renta

The annual Met Ball aka "Fashion's Oscars" is an event I always look forward to for jaw-dropping fashion, and this years Met red carpet did not disappoint. It was packed with stars, the fashion elite and top models all donning stunning designer creations.

Its always challenging to find designer sketches of red carpet looks so I was thrilled when @OscarPRgirl pinned this Oscar de la Renta illustration made especially for Lauren Santo Domingo. Being the girly girl that I am, I loved this bow filled gown and absolutely adore the sketch of it. Even with facial features, hair, and all color being void, its still a completely readable a lovely fashion illustration. 

The Ball was in celebration of Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute's new exhibition honoring Miuccia Prada and Elsa Schiaparelli which opens to the public tomorrow. Tom Ford, whom I had the pleasure of actually seeing last night at the 92nd Street Y said the exhibition was "smart" and they way they displayed the work of both designers was like nothing he'd seen before. Tom even said he emailed Miuccia first thing in the morning to send his praises. I'm looking forward to checking out the exhibit myself and fingers crossed next year I'll be walking that carpet opening night! (Don't laugh, its always been a dream!) 

Armani Costume Designs for Lady Gaga

Georgio Armani recently released the latest costume design sketches for Lady Gaga's next world tour, and I couldn't wait to share the avant garde illustrations with you here on Fabulous Doodles! In Gaga's first tour, The Monsters Ball (perviously featured here) the wardrobe, which I actually had the thrill of seeing in person when I attended the HBO taped concert at Madison Square Garden, was simply spectacular and this next round of costumes looks like it will not disappoint.

I don't know about you but the sketches really remind me of the work of Bob Mackie. Aside from the obvious reasons that they're whimsical and sparkly costume sketches that are full of personality and attitude, the figure proportions, rendering techniques, and overall look of the artwork is just so similar to the work of Mackie. It really adds to the shock factor for me that they're by Armani, whom I completely have pigeon holed in my brain as being the go-to tailored suit design master.

One idea to take note of, for you aspiring designers, is that the illustrator has used the same figure to build upon for the more than one look. You can clearly see that these sketches, although drastically different from one another in the costume design, are the same exact pose and most likely drawn over the same figure. This is a sketching shortcut when your working to focus yourself on the designs and not get overly involved in sketching new poses and figures for each look.

Thank you to Armani for releasing the sketches and fingers crossed in a few months I'll be thanking Gaga for putting on another incredible show! Anyone have tickets, feel free to send them my way. ;)

Whitney Houston

"It's amazing how people we've never met can touch our lives so much, how their work can become bookmarks for definitive moments in our lives and how we can truly love them from afar." My friend, designer Aaron Potts posted this a few days ago on Facebook in reference to the death of Whitney Houston and I couldn't agree more.

Today Whitney Houston is being laid to rest and I can't begin to explain how devastatingly sad I am. Whitney's The Greatest Love Of All was my very first cassette, The Bodyguard was my first CD, and for my college application to FIT I designed a concert wardrobe for her as my fashion design art test.

I would have loved to share my Whitney sketches with you, however they are packed away in storage with the rest of my college work, so better yet I'm sharing the work of my friend, Aaron Potts. Aaron, in collaboration with Kaufman Franco, sketched many gowns for Whitney that she and her stylists then chose from.

Whitney, I will always love you.

Costume Design by Vera Wang {Bride Wars}

As you probably know, I love finding costume design sketches. Combine that with a wedding and I'm in heaven. I recently found this Vera Wang bridal sketch for Kate Hudson in the romantic comedy Bride Wars. I've always loved this dress and actually have it in a file for future "sketch-spiration" for BrooklitBride. Doesn't Kate's "bridal beauty" in this film just scream draw me. (Maybe one day I will and we'll see how my version compares with Ms. Wangs.)

Costume Designs {The Hunger Games}

Hello Katniss Everdeen! InStyle contacted designers to come up looks for Katniss' show stopping fire costume for the opening ceremony scene. One of my closest friends, designer Renaldo Barnette, has been freelancing for Nicole Miller and got to take a stab at this costume design project. (Being a bit of a Hunger Games fanatic, I think I may have been more excited about it than he was!)

(Nicole Miller)

Although I may be bias, I think Renaldo really hit the nail on the head with this one! He truly captured her fierce transformation into a strong and beautiful woman while maintaining her essence (with her signature braid) and the drama of the moment with the cape and headpiece.

(Rachel Roy)

Rachel Roy's interpretation is also a stunning illustration, however it may be a little too avant garde. (If anything could be avant garde in "the Capital.")

(Charolette Ronson)

The Hunger Games is currently filming and I can't wait to see it and soak up more of Peeta, Gale, and Katniss. If you'd like to see more of the designer costume designs, check out InStyle.

(Tibi and BCBG)

This trilogy is one of my recent faves and I'm thrilled its being brought to the silver screen. Hopefully there will more more costume design illustrations leaking out as well.

Bridal Costume Illustration {Pam Am}

What do you get when you take a 60's period wardrobe paired with the hottest new show on television, then add in a beautiful wedding gown worn throughout the first two episodes? My favorite new show, ABC's Pan Am. (I realize I'm about a month late here, but thanks to my dvr, I watched all four episodes last night. Better late than never right!)

Within the first five minutes of the pilot episode of Pan Am one of the leading ladies wore the most lovely wedding gown, and I instantly fell in love. Laura played by Margot Robbie, donned this elegant duchess satin gown with a fitted bodice, voluminous gathered skirt, and tiny bow detailing at the shoulders and waistband.

I quickly grabbed my sketchbook to capture the look and since I really like the outcome I've added it to BrooklitBride so you can purchase your own print of my "Laura" bridal costume illustration. I can't wait to see what the costume designers come up with next. I'm hoping there are many more elegant affairs ahead.

(Image of ABC's Pan Am taken from my tv.)

Costume Design: Water for Elephants

As you may already know, I have a serious weakness for costume design, so stumbling upon actual "working sketches" is always a treat. Pair that with sketches from a good period piece and I'm in heaven.

I found these sketches by costume designer Jacqueline West for Water for Elephants in People and knew I had to share them here, and go see the movie already. Reese Witherspoon's wardrobe was sensational and worth the ticket price alone. I couldn't get enough of those 1930s bias-cut silk charmeuse gowns, feathered and beaded "show numbers," finger waved hair styles and art-deco jewels.

(And 2 hours of Rob Pattinson on the big screen isn't so bad either!)

Costume Design: Black Swan

It's always a thrill to find great costume illustrations, and these sketches from fashion designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte for Black Swan do not disappoint! They have a soft and whimsical stylized look, which is synonymous with the look of their illustrations for Rodarte, while still serving as readable working sketches.

The designing sisters were challenged with making clothes that were dramatic and character appropriate while also being ballet-friendly and completely wearable.

The wardrobe, the characters and the setting are all so intriguing to me. I also absolutely love illustrating ballerinas so maybe I'll take a stab at rendering the main characters after I see the film.

Embarrassingly enough I have not actually seen Black Swan yet, I usually steer clear of scary movies, but I may have to suck it up just to see these costumes in action.