VIKTOR & ROLF : FASHION ARTISTS

October 24, 2016 by Kelly Smith in FASHION, EXHIBITIONS

Magdelena Frackowaik photographed by Josh Olins for Dazed & Confused, 2010

While in Melbourne last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the brand new exhibition at the NGV
'Viktor & Rolf: Fashion Artists.'
To say I was excited is an understatement! I have loved the Dutch designers for years, their 'non-conformist' take on fashion is always so intriguing and inspiring and allows them to express so much creativity. As the title of the exhibition states, they are true artists; each piece a stand-alone artwork in itself.

Of particular note for me were the unbelievable tulle pieces from Spring 2010, as well as the rotating gown from their 'Van Gogh Girls' 2015 collection (cue gif!) which was similar to the gown I illustrated at the time the collection premiered.
I vividly remember wondering what on earth had possessed me to take on the illustration of one of these particular gowns (that line work took for-ever) and seeing the construction and detail up close and in-person brought it all rushing back. The design is just next-level!

If you have a chance, I highly recommend paying the Nation Gallery of Victoria a visit to see the collection in person. 'Viktor & Rolf: Fashion Artists' runs until Feb 26.

FLOATING IN DIOR HEAVEN

May 21, 2016 by Kelly Smith in ILLUSTRATION, FASHION, EXHIBITIONS, TRAVEL

Illustration based on the Lady Dior Pre-Fall 2014 Campaign, Photographed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino.

I had originally intended this post to be something of a re-cap of my visit to the Christian Dior museum in Granville. The museum displays pieces from its archives, along with rotating exhibits - the current being 'Femmes en Dior' which includes 49 gowns and photographs of loyal, royal and celebrity clients and spokes models of the fashion house.
I was due to take an early train this morning, however the current transport strikes in Paris meant that it was cancelled, which was more than a disappointment.

So imagine my surprise, upon visiting instead the original Dior flagship store on Avenue Montaigne, to find a very special 'open house' at the Maison next door as part of the LVMH Journées Particulières event. Opening their doors to small groups for one weekend only, the beautiful spiral staircase led to rooms and rooms set up with displays from each area of the design house; couture, jewellery, accessories and parfums.

I can't even describe how incredible it was to see - and hear - each worker explain his or her process. I don't even speak French, but it was clear for everyone to see how each individual piece is created. I'm still pinching myself that I was able to have such an up-close experience with such a special design house and to see so many iconic pieces IRL.
It definitely more than made up for that missed train to Granville...

The illustration above is based on Christian Dior's Lady Dior Pre-Fall campaign from 2014, photographed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino. One of my all-time favourites.

TITANIA

November 03, 2015 by Kelly Smith in EXHIBITIONS, ILLUSTRATION

While I was in the USA, the 'Les Petit Fours' exhibition opened in Sydney at Friends of Leon Gallery, in conjunction with Beautiful Bizarre magazine.
It looked like such a beautiful show, including pieces by some incredible artists such as Kelly Thompson, Pippa McManus, Ruben Ireland, Kate Zambrano, Emma Leonard and more...
I had only shared snippets until now, so here is my final piece.

Taking inspiration from some of my favourite collections by Giambattista Valli and John Galliano, along with the character of Titania, the Queen of the Fairies, from William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' I created an ethereal beauty, surrounded by the fluttering creatures of the forest and a swarm of gilded couture.

'Titania' can be viewed in the exhibition until November 8.

'LES PETIT FOURS' INTERNATIONAL GROUP SHOW

September 30, 2015 by Kelly Smith in ILLUSTRATION, EXHIBITIONS

Posting a sneaky detail of my piece 'Titania' [pencil, Copic markers, & digital colouring | Framed 50 x 50 cm]
for the upcoming 'Les Petit Fours' International Group Exhibition co-curated by Beautiful Bizarre Magazine and Friends of Leon Gallery Sydney.

The show opens Oct 22 from 6-8pm at Friends of Leon Gallery Sydney and runs until Nov 8.

I'll be posting more about my piece later, but if you would like to receive the collectors preview, please email: leon@friendsofleon.com

Full artist line-up and opening details: https://www.facebook.com/events/976022045787150/