Fashion’s Night Out NYC 2012

What do fashion designers do on fashion’s night out? Welp, I’d rather shop sample sales than fight my way through a FNO crowd at Barneys. And to be perfectly honest with you, I’d rather sip a Cosmo martini in my pajamas and watch “Mad Men” than rave at an after party. However, what will get me out on the town is ART, namely, fashion illustration!

Curated by Brandon Graham at “Would You Rock This?” and hosted by the Brooklyn Public Library the exhibit “Fashion Illustration: A Contemporary Look” was exactly what I wanted to do the evening of Sept. 6th FNO NYC 2012! The exhibit features the history of fashion illustration and highlights the work of Antonio Lopez (1943-1987) as well as today’s iconic artists including Carlos Aponte, Samantha Hahn, Jennnifer Lilya, Sara Singh and Richard Haines.

The opening reception was an intimate gathering of passionate artists and appreciators. Among the audience was Bil Donovan who has generously conducted demonstrations all over New York City; one of which I was so excited to attend at the Society of Illustrators last year. You can read all about it here.

(Bil Donovan will be conducting another demonstration at BPL Oct. 6th)

Several artists spoke on the influence of Antonio Lopez‘s work that inspired their own artistic voice. Carlos Aponte told a touching story of working in a sweatshop in Porto Rico and how he had covered the wall of his station with Antonio’s illustrations. Aponte called it his dream wall, it was his escape and fantasy to meet and become like Antonio, which he later did with the disgruntled help of his sweatshop owner’s wife.

Don Oehl bashfully talked about the reclusive life style and dedication it takes to become a great artist.

“Fashion illustration is a labor of love, we love what we do, it becomes labor when the client gets involved.”

Aponte candidly  added…

“We work in our little rooms, in our little caves, and we don’t want to talk to anyone”

The underlying theme was the success of shooting for a dream, honing the artist’s individual craft and having a vision uniquely his or her own. Talent and individuality can be seen in the different styles, and subjects each artist has chosen. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the show.