Met Gala 2017 Inspired Fashion Illustrations

For this years Met Gala red carpet inspired fashion illustrations I chose to illustrate three best dressed picks. The theme of this years gala and costume exhibit is the avant-garde and daring Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garcons. The best dressed of the night without a doubt was Gigi Hadid in Tommy Hilfiger (shown above.) The dress was one hundred percent on-theme, which clearly was a tough one for many this year, white still being beautiful, seductive and edgy. Her hair and make up was also flawless and perfectly complimented the asymmetrical design of her dress.

The next illustration is Hailey Baldwin in a Carolina Herrera ballerina ensemble with-a-twist. I loved the subtle color change within the tiers of the tulle skirt, and the delicate architectural seams of her crop top. Keeping the hair pulled up and back with a birdcage veil was lovely finishing touch. And last but not least is Kate Hudson in Stella McCartney. This look was the not the most on theme but it wasn't completely off, with a dramatic one-sleeve and modern top knot hair that was a nod to Asian costume. In all honestly this asymmetrical silk gown was a fun one to draw, as I love to render highlights and shadows of silk. It also fit in well with the two other illustrations which were bigger and more dramatic silhouettes.

I wasn't feeling great the night of this years gala, so decided to go with a more simplified and stylized effect, drawing with an Apple Pencil on the iPad pro in leu of my traditional illustration tools, all while watching in bed! I kept the sketches cohesive all on a pink background and illustrated in only graphite gray, pink and white. Its nice to switch it up sometimes and try new things!

Similar posts to check out:

• Met Gala Inspired Fashion Illustrations (2014) 
• Red Carpet Moment: Gwyneth Paltrow at the Oscars
• Red Carpet Fashion Illustration 

New Etsy Fashion Illustrations

I've finally added new fashion illustration prints to my Brooklit Etsy shop and I'm excited to share them all! Although I'm constantly illustrating and creating new work for clients, Casetify and Instagram I honestly can't remember the last time I posted new prints to Etsy. These new prints are groups of three girls, like mini fashion collections. I'm really happy with them and hope my customers so as well. The first new print (shown above) is three designs inspired by Rachel Zoe. Originally there were five illustrations in this group but I played around in photoshop and edited it down to three. Of all the new prints this is my favorite, as its the most my style fashion wise. I also love the stylized nature of the illustration not being too detailed in the faces and elongated bodies.

Next up is Lady Gaga in a white Brandon Maxwell jumpsuit at this years Oscars. As anyone who follows me on social media knows I often live sketch award show red carpet looks to share my favorite fashion of the night. Gaga outdid herself with this look and I think I captured the moment and look well. Its a fairly simple but strong sketch since the look was elegant and not overly embellished. I primarily used marker and pen with a few touches of white gouache to highlight the hair and earrings. I made a print of her solo, as originally drawn, then also grouped Gaga together with two other sketches of favorite looks from the night, Priyanka Chopra in Zuhair Murad and Olivia Wilde in Valentino couture. The sketches of Priyanka and Olivia are a little less polished and more stylized with unfinished faces, but I think the grouping works well and it makes a strong print.

And lastly I have three lovely ladies inspired by Giambattista Valli couture (shown below.) This collection, and the styling of this collection with oversized bow headbands and dramatic swiss dot veils was a fashion illustration dream. The looks were so beautifully embellished, girly and simply couture at its best. They're also a wonderful color palette with tiny floral details in pale pink and peach with pops of black.

My goal is to revamp the contents of both my shops Brooklit and Brooklit Bride over the next month or two starting with these four new prints.

Similar posts to check out:

• Framed Fashion Prints | If Only & American Express 
• Sketches Inspired by Resort Collections
• Red Carpet Fashion Sketches Oscars 2015

Red Carpet Fashion Sketches | 2015 Oscars

Hollywoods biggest night of red-carpet fashion was this Sunday, the 2015 Oscars and of course I had sketch my favorites as I watched! I started drawing full-scale more traditional "polished" fashion illustrations, as I've done in the past, but as the show progressed I decided I liked these smaller "quickie" sketches and chose to share a this grouping of my top picks. Immediately upon posting them on instagram during the broadcast I got likes and comments from a Vogue editor, top celebrity stylist, and an E! News fashion correspondent, which obviously made me feel good about my decision. Its pretty incredible the power of Instagram and the ability to instantly share work and get feedback in the moment.

Illustrated above above: Reese Witherspoon looking classic and chic in Tom Ford, Gwyneth Paltrow in the perfect pale pink (again) by Ralph and Russo, Jennifer Lopez was a golden goddess in Ellie Saab and Kerry Washington looked beautiful in white in her go-to designer, Miu Miu.

I wish there were more epic red-carpet events like this, because I truly love illustrating a red-carpet moment. Its fashion at its finest which is truly ideal fashion illustration inspiration, for this fashion illustrator at least!

Similar posts you might like:

• Red Carpet Fashion Illustrations (Oscars 2014) 
• Met Gala Red Carpet Inspired Fashion Illustrations 
• Red Carpet Moment: Gwyneth at the Oscars

Met Gala Red Carpet Inspired Fashion Illustrations

Today I'm excited to share some of the Met Gala red carpet fashion illustrations I illustrated. As I wrote about already, attending the Charles James exhibit press preview and getting a first look at the show alongside some of the fashion industry's biggest names was incredible, and it made me even more excited to get home and sketch the gala red carpet arrivals. For me the standout of this years red carpet was all the tulle and floral prints, and those are the looks I ended up sketching. First up, shown above is model Suki Waterhouse in a etherial strapless Burberry gown of endless layers of pale pink tulle ruffles.

Lately I've been incorporating gauche more and more into my illustrations and the stunning Marchesa gown that Karolina Kurkova wore was an ideal look to render in this medium. The structured black ball gown had gorgeous contrasting white flowers radiating from the waist and created such a dynamic look. It was one of my favorite gowns of the night, and now one of my favorite illustrations.

Another red carpet favorite was my friend and Vogue girl Cara Crowley in one of the sweetest gowns of the evening, a dreamy mint green Reem Acra. Cara was one of the first arrivals I saw on the carpet and my first illustration of the night. The amazing mint color combined with layers of delicate pleated tulle and polished old Hollywood hair was red carpet ball perfection.

And last but not least is a favorite actress and favorite designer of mine, Emmy Rossum in Carolina Herrera. This yellow gown was fully adorned with a large floral pattern and it was not only gorgeous but a fabulous standout statement on the Met red carpet. It was also a fun to illustrate such a big bold organic pattern. 

Since these illustrations were quite a hit with my social media, and I'm really pleased with all them, I've decided to sell prints of all the Met Gala inspired illustrations in my Etsy shop. You can find prints of Suki, Karolina, Cara and Emmy all available to purchase in Brooklit. 

Red Carpet Fashion Illustrations

The Academy Awards were this past sunday and of course I was inspired to illustrate some of the most sketch-worthy looks from the red carpet. I want to share them here along with a few from other red carpet looks I've yet to share aside from instagram sneak peeks.

First up is a Monique Lhuillier gown worn by Chissy Teigen in a organic pattern of petal/brush strokes over black (shown above.) For this illustration I started as usual with pencil and marker but for the pink I broke out the brushes and gauche. I've added her to the shop, so if you'd like to purchase a print of this illustration you can by clicking here.

My two favorite looks of the night were Charlize Theron in a dramatic black Dior gown and Cate Blacnchett in Armani Prive. Cate's dress of sheer nude fabric embellished with tiny flowers and various sequins and palettes was absolutely stunning, however a challenge to capture in a fashion illustration. Cate took home an Oscar and also earns my best dressed of the night.

Next up are fashion illustrations I worked on a few weeks ago inspired by the Golden Globe red carpet. Naomi Watts looked flawless in her slinky beaded Tom Ford gown and the gorgeous Olivia Wilde rocked her baby bump and was one of the best dressed of the night in a beautiful emerald green sequined Gucci Premiere gown (print of Olivia available.) Margot Robbie who has also been a long time favorite and I've actually illustrated before, looked regal and gorgeous in a white Gucci gown with green crystal banding.

The Met Ball always turns out the most show-stopping red carpet looks and this past years was no exception. For these sketches I used tan craft paper so that the fashion designs would really pop off the page. Model Chanel Iman wore a black and white striped J. Mendel gown and its probably one of my favorite looks of the year. The bias bold stripes, draping and overall silhouette is simply beautiful. (Mini print of Chanel available in the shop) Last but not least is Kate Mara looking beautiful in another strong color of the year, oxblood red. Her dress was by Delpozo and had a beautiful jewel encrusted bodice with an avant-garde peplum and sheer layered skirt. I love how the deep red and black contrast with the tan craft paper. This illustration of Kate is also available in the shop.

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.  

Best Dressed: Oscar's 2013

From the minute Jennifer Lawrence stepped onto the Oscar's red carpet I knew who my best dressed of the night would be! What's so ironic is that just last week I had to draw this very Christian Dior Haute Couture gown for a magazine editorial (its yet to be released but I did Instagram this sneak peek a few days ago,) and I fell in love with this dress. I even got into a discussion with the Fashion Director about the fabulousness of this gown when I dropped my sketches off at the magazines office. Its not just the dress alone though, Jennifer's entire look was beautifully flawless. The Chopard jewels, the modern twist of a delicate necklace falling to the back, the up swept do, the jeweled bag, it was all perfection and made quite a memorable Oscars look for the new face of Dior and Oscar winning it-girl.

(Sally Field in Valentino, Kerry Washington in Mui Mui, Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta, Jenna Dewan in Gucci, Stacy Keibler in Naeem Khan, Charlize Theron in Dior, Georgina Chapman in Marchesa, and Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji) 

Although Jennifer was hands down my favorite of the night many were looking red carpet chic. I was blown away by Sally Field in a dramatic ruffled Valentino. Charlize Theron was stunning in a white beaded peplum gown by Dior Haute Couture. And last but not least I loved Octavia Spencer in her go-to designer Tadashi Shoji. Her dress was so ethereal and luminescent, and that buttery tulle against her skin was beautiful. I just loved it.

Who was your best dressed? If you somehow missed the Oscars (which I couldn't imagine!) you can check out WWD for more red carpet looks from Hollywood's most fashionable night.

Best Dressed {SAG Awards}

Last nights Screen Actors Guild Awards did not disappoint in the red carpet department. Viola Davis was greek goddess perfection in her white and gold Marchesa gown and Jayma Mays had her best red carpet look yet in this Reem Acra sequin stunner.

Octavia Spencer looked flawless. Her Tadashi Shoji ensemble highlighted her curves and her up-do, makeup, and accessories were simply beautiful. A perfect look to accept her award in! (Yay to Octavia and the cast of The Help!) Sofia Vergara who although a little predictable in her red carpet looks, did rock her fuschia Marchesa gown and sleek high ponytail. And last but certainly not least was the lovely Rose Byrne who went for something out of the box with a Ellie Saab sequined jumpsuit. With her blunt-bob hair style she was channeling 70's glamour. She's such "a sketch" in this look, I may just draw her.

Best Dressed {Golden Globes 2012}

Awards season is in full swing and with that comes many inspiring and jaw dropping red carpet looks. In my effort to post more I thought I'd share my picks for best dressed from last nights Golden Globe Awards.

Charlize Theron absolutely stole the show in this stunning blush pink Dior Couture gown and diamond headband. Granted I'm sure that with her body she could wear a burlap sack and still knock em dead, this look from head-to-toe was perfection.

I love the art-deco vibe of Salma Hayek's black and gold beaded Gucci gown and adore Heidi Klum's sleek and sexy nude Calvin Klein backless dress paired with a turquoise statement necklace. The color combo with her tan skin and blond locks is so California-girl chic.

Georgina Chapman is always a favorite of mine in her beautifully intricate designs for Marchesa and this gown was no different. The wide gold lace neckline is exquisite and really stands out against the ethereal white draping. And last but not least, Claire Danes in this unique J. Mendel black and white open backed dress is a hit that certainly lands her a spot on my list.

Honorable mention's go to Shailene Woodley also in Marchesa, Elle Macpherson in Zac Pozen, Sarah Hyland in vintage Dolce and Gabbana and Nicole Richie in Julien MacDonald, all of whom chose beautiful gowns. Click here for all the Golden Globe red carpet looks.