Redhead

I don't know why redheads get such a hard time from everyone- I've always had a soft spot for them personally. I think they have one of the coolest hair colours on the planet, so here's my homage to them!

My favourite model of all time is actually a redhead, Cintia Dicker. She's Brazilian too (they all are!). Who would've thunk it...

Undress Runways

 

I went to the Undress Brisbane fashion show a while ago, and have been waiting for a chance to illustrate an outfit from it! It was such a great show, full of original and sustainably produced fashion. 

One of the reasons I decided not to go down the fashion design route years ago when I studied at TAFE was because of the cut-throat industry and unethical production methods. Fashion is a wonderful art-form, which celebrates beauty, self-expression, and an artisan's craft. So it's sad that the fashion industry is now viewed in such a bad light due to all the money-grubbing dealings that go on behind the scenes..

So my love for fashion has led me to illustration! The top in this one is from Brisbane designer Mango Rains who source fabric from Africa (finally, some African prints!), and who's net profits go back into helping the African community.

The skirt is from Hunting Faith the Label  who do some beautiful sleek, modern silhouettes and I completely fell in love with this skirt when I saw it on the runway. I'm not usually a fan of knickers on display, but I feel the hemline steers it towards tasteful, and away from tacky.

Check out Undress Runways though, it's such a great initiative. And they source some seriously amazing designers!

Mexican Florals

The Mexicans really know how to do a good print! And while this print was originally taken from a Mexican oilcloth fabric (this awful stiff stuff that people use for bags and tablecloths), the print inspired me to design my ideal pair of shorts for summer. *sigh*

Scuba Neckline

I'm really liking the scuba neckline trend going on at the moment. It's a really modern athletic look, so I had a go at mixing it up with some New York inspired street style.
I wish we had more interesting shoes to choose from here in Australia. It's getting into summer now finally, and the shoes in the stores still aren't nearly bright enough for my liking.
:(

Dolce and Gabbana S/S 2013

After a brief break from illustrating last week, I'm back with some Dolce and Gabbana! Their spring/ summer collection from 2013 is amazing, and I don't care how out of date I am- if I like something, I like something!

Here are some of my favourite looks from their collection...

Lace

I was inspired by 60s daisy-print lace, and thought I'd have a go at modernising it with this dress! Lace can be unbelievably pretty when done right;

Gold Leaves

 

I was in the mood to draw a gold leaf head wreath today- they're just so damn pretty!

 

Alberta Ferretti

I saw a picture of Nicole Richie wearing an Alberta Ferretti skirt recently (below) and thought it was amazing, so I had to illustrate it!

 

The colour combinations in this skirt are so interesting, and I'm always drawn to stripes for some reason. I wanted this skirt a bit shorter though, to show off some gladiator sandals. 

My muse for this picture was Olga Kurylenko- the Bond girl from Quantum of Solace. She's really got that Mediterranean look down pat (even though she's Russian?).

 

Swarovski

I love flipping through magazines and tearing out all the things that appeal to me. I was taught to do this and store everything in a visual journal, when I studied fashion design years ago. And it's a habit I've found incredibly useful since.
I found these beautiful Swarovski crystal earrings recently, and had to illustrate them. They were calling to me!

Molly and Polly

If there's one thing Australia excels at, it's swimwear design. I think we have some of the coolest swimsuit designers in the world. One of my long-standing favourites has been Molly and Polly.

They love bright colours and fun prints as much as I do. And ever since digital prints made their way onto fabrics a few years ago, fabric design posibilities are now endless. Molly and Polly have made some of the best use of this new technology.. I give you Exhibit A;

Adorable!

You can find their online store here;
http://mollyandpollyswim.com.au/

I'm always happy to support our amazing Australian designers!

Roses

Like most people in the world, I love Audrey Hepburn. I don't think there's been another celebrity since who has matched her elegance, sophistication, and overall loveliness.
This illustration is a modern take on Audrey from 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'.

Pushkin and Boo

I know this isn't technically a fashion illustration (although some pretty fabulous cat sweaters are involved) but I'm too in love with this picture not to post it. I painted a picture of my cats Pushkin (left) and Boo (right) for my sister's Birthday card yesterday.
Look at their little cherubic smiles! Such dumplings.

Flared Jeans

As much as I love skinny jeans, I can't stand the lack of flexibility in them. I get the feeling flared jeans are going to make a big comeback soon... I'll be able to move my legs further than 90 degrees again! Yay!

Iggy

  

Anyone who knows me well, knows I have somewhat questionable tastes in music (I like to think of them as more 'highly evolved', personally).

So I've been getting into Iggy Azalea lately despite my friends' protests and have taken a strange liking to some of her outfits. I love her Dolce and Gabana outfit in 'Work', the print is brilliant!

And I saw a photoshoot with her recently in a pair of Versace leggings which I thought were pretty cool. I actually can't stand it when people wear leggings as pants, but the print on these was so awesome, I let it slide on this occasion. But never again!

 

Art Deco

I love Art Deco- the clean lines, the elegant shapes and contrast in proportions... The works of French artist 'Erté' (below) probably sum up the best everything that I love about the Art Deco aesthetic.

Boyfriend Jeans

 

I've been on the hunt for some perfect boyfriend jeans ever since my last pair sadly passed away a few years ago. So far I've had no luck- everything I try in the shops seems so baggy, I end up looking like a farmer.

THESE are what the perfect boyfriend jeans look like, people!...

NOT THESE!  (*shudder*)

Mexican Embroidery

I've always loved Mexican crafts and fabrics. And Mexican embroidery in particular has a way of making whatever it appears on look that much better! I designed this outfit using the fabric below for inspiration. I'd sure as hell wear that dress if it existed!

While I might complain all the time about the lack of decent clothes in shops lately, at least I know that I can draw whatever I want into existence...

Africa

Another request, this time from my sister Erica. She's convinced she was swapped at birth and is really of African origin (you're not black, Erica- let it go!).
So naturally I had to design the outfit she'd wear for when she claims her 'birth right' and becomes an African Queen..
Complete with pet lemur and an elephant-head staff!

Turquoise

Turquoise Statement Necklace with Burnout Effect Top

Primark Novelty Sunglasses

I came across what may well be the coolest sunglasses I have EVER SEEN on Pinterest the other day. These Primark sunnies were begging to be drawn. And what better way to showcase novelty sunglasses than with a Malibu Barbie-esque girl on a swan pool float?

*note to self; buy swan pool float*

Tartan

I'm a big fan of tartan when it's done right. And you'd think the Scotts would get it right every time, so I think everyone that saw the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony recently was a bit shocked when this happened...

I'm sorry, but this is just.... no. This is what tartan should look like-

 

Not this...

Chinese Porcelain

I caught up with my friend Maren recently and I offered to design a dress for her- just like we used to back in high school when we were bored in class.
She asked for something blue, with sleeves.  So I took some inspiration from Chinese porcelain (below), and this is what I ended up with.

Hope you like it Moo! (a.k.a Maren- the origins of this nick name are very hazy, but it's the one that stuck).

Aztec Head-Dress

What I wouldn't give for an Aztec head-dress... Oh well. If you can't have it, draw it.