Illustration Now! Fashion

Styled by Hand. The many incarnations of illustration in the world of fashion

Illustration is integral to fashion design; not only as a starting point for creation, but also as a means of expressing the moods, emotions, and experiences carried by garments. From the hand-drawn to the computer-modelled, this guide provides an in-depth exploration of clothing illustration and presents 90 contemporary artists who have breathed life and allure into their creations, using just the fluidity of lines or starkness of tones.

Every dress begins with a drawing, every skirt with a sketch. Illustration is an integral element of fashion design; a starting point for creation, a means of expressing the moods, emotions, and experiences carried by garments — yet is too often overlooked. Through stark tones and serendipitous smudges, fashion illustrators breathe life into trends and seasons.

In this new, compact edition, you’ll find works from 90 contemporary artists located all around the world, including Ruben Toledo, Aurore de La Morinerie, Bil Donovan, Tanya Ling, and Jean-Philippe Delhomme. Following an introduction by illustration expert Steven Heller, art and fashion historian Adelheid Rasche provides an in-depth exploration of clothing illustration, beginning in the 17th century and stretching forward to today.

Each illustrator is profiled through sumptuous reproductions of their work and quotes describing their individual approaches. These are interspersed by commentary and praise from renowned experts and icons in the field of fashion, including Valentino, Maison Martin Margiela, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, and H&M.

Illustration Now! is your essential work of reference to the world’s latest, most exciting artists. The series’ easy-to-navigate A-Z entries include current and recent projects and artist information such as biographical details, listed agents, exhibitions, and websites.

About the series:

Bibliotheca Universalis — Compact cultural companions celebrating the eclectic TASCHEN universe at an unbeatable, democratic price!

Since we started our work as cultural archaeologists in 1980, TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible, open-minded publishing. Bibliotheca Universalis brings together more than 100 of our all-time favourite titles in a neat new format so you can curate your own affordable library of art, anthropology, and aphrodisia.

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