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Writer's pictureElyse Blackshaw

Illustrating Paris Haute Couture for SHOWstudio

Blog by London Fashion Illustrator Elyse Blackshaw

SHOWstudio Fashion Illustrator
Fashion Illustrator Elyse Blackshaw drawing for SHOWstudio

This June, I was invited as a fashion illustrator SHOWstudio to draw Paris Haute Couture 2024. SHOWstudio is an award-winning fashion website and the home of fashion film and live broadcasting. It was founded and is directed by iconic fashion photographer Nick Knight, and always pushed the boundaries of communicating fashion.


So what is a fashion illustrator?


A fashion illustrator is an artist who uses drawing or collage to create an image of a fashion design or look. Every fashion illustrator is different, honing a unique and individual style that is recognisable to them. A fashion illustrator documents a moment in time through illustration.


As a fashion illustrator invited to collaborate with SHOWstudio, it was my job to observe and respond to the new couture collections being presented in Paris. I worked directly from my London artist studio, using feeling and reaction to create my responses. As designer's narratives and styles are different, the way I respond reflects that, resulting in an eclectic collection. I work intuitvely and without boundaries.


For Thom Browne, the collection was creamy, neutral and ethereal.


Thom Browne Paris Haute Couture 2024
Thom Browne Paris Haute Couture 2024 by Elyse Blackshaw

Whereas for Viktor and Rolf, the collection celebrated abstraction through retro colours and boxy shapes.

Viktor and Rolf Couture Paris 2024 by Elyse Blackshaw
Viktor and Rolf Couture Paris 2024 by Elyse Blackshaw

I became experimental for Balenciaga Couture, where I explored the collection by responding through colour and simple, energetic lines. Atfer creating coloured studio drawings, I went live on Instagram to demonstrate how I could capture all 39 in looks in just a few minutes. The results of studio drawing vs live drawing in real time have similar features, but different energies. Which image do you connect to?


Balenciaga Couture Paris 2024 by Elyse Blackshaw
Balenciaga Couture Paris 2024 by Elyse Blackshaw
Balenciaga Couture Paris 2024 by Elyse Blackshaw
Balenciaga Couture Paris 2024 by Elyse Blackshaw

My full collection of SHOWstudio Paris Haute Couture illustrations can be viewed at https://www.showstudio.com/contributors/elyse-blackshaw


Coming Soon: The illustrations can be purchased via elyseblackshaw.com and the SHOWstudio shop.


NEXT UP: How to get your work into the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition






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