At college, I could not draw for the life of me. I developed a sort of stylised version of drawing I managed to just about get away with being on a fashion and textiles course, where pattern and artistic license were daily currency. Its a style of drawing I still use - I'd show you my sketchbook but you'd only laugh.
For hours we studied fashion illustrations: the variations on the human form and drape of fabric fashion designers had conjoured up - but even this, and the hours and hours of life drawing class could not improve my terrible drawing skills.
Imagine my delight to find a whole exhibition of these beautiful works of art about to open. Fashion illustrations from Galerie Bartsch & Chariau, showing at London's Design Museum. Featuring work of designers from the 1940s through to present day including Chanel, Dior, Comme des Garcons, Victor & Rolf and McQueen, to name a few...
I can never create illustrations even remotely in aspiration of these, but I can gape and dream in awe...
DRAWING FASHION
3 November - 6 March
Design Museum, London
Image: Renee Gruau for Dior
ps - I'm also in admiration of the work of contemporary fashion illustrator Sandra Suy