April 4, 2008
Founded in 1901 the Society of Illustrators is not only an organization of great talent, but of great history as well. On Friday night forging through the down pouring rain I made my way up town to the Society’s worldwide headquarters, a vintage carriage house that dates from 1875. The room was a buzz with the fashion elite; designers, models, and artists were all in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of great fashion illustrators. On display were works by Kenneth Paul Block, Rene Bouche, Antonio, Eric, Joe Eula, JC Leyendecker, Mel Odom, George Stavrinos, Michael Vollbracht and many more. Consider a dying art, overshadowed by fashion photography and now CAD design programs, it was very comforting to the heart to see that these great works had an audience and a home. The show was titled The Line of Fashion and rightly so, one was acutely aware of the decisive artistic skill that is required to create such precise images with great detail and evoking so much emotion with such simple yet powerful lines. Curated by Robert W. Richards the show was a timeline of fashion history and illustrative talent. Looking as though he had walked out of the one of the pictures on the wall, Mr. Richards (photo below) was a pleasure to talk to and it was immediately apparent the care and energy he had put into pulling the show together. In addition, I also had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of artist Bil Donovan (photo below), whose work is nothing short of compelling. Sensual, and dynamic one could picture Donovan’s illustrations gliding down the runway. Also in attendance was Planet Style Concierge’s friend Kelly Mills of Black & White looking fantastic in a diaphanous Emanuel Ungaro frock and accessories from Priestess by Cody Ross that blended in perfectly with the surroundings (photo below). The show is one not to be missed, both visually and creatively stimulating and culturally and historically important. I suggest you do your fashionista soul some good, and check it out for yourself! The show is running through May 2nd and entry is free! Check out the website for gallery times: http://societyillustrators.org/museum/line_of_fashion.cms
Brian Ciabotti – Planet Style Concierge
Image #1: Attendees view original illustrations of Halston collection
Image # 2: Ambience
Image # 3: Kelly Mills of Black % White in Emanuel Ungaro dress & accessories from Priestess by Cody Ross
Image # 4: Design team Daniel Kinne & wife Lynda Kinne of à la disposition with their daughter in looks from their line
Image # 5: Artist Robert Fontaine wearing custom made “couch” scarf
Image # 6: Curator Robert W. Richards with artist Bil Donovan in front of artist’s work
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