Notebook pages

Here are my latest finds and news from style, fashion, film, design and beautiful living.

“The art of the contemporary fashion illustrator can be seen as defying the times — an anachronism in this age of the digital photograph, instant internet communication, and technology-driven creative processes […] Fashion illustration is an art based simply on the skill of the hand and the eye”, says Tony Glenville, the creative director of the School of Media & Communication at the London College of Fashion, in his book New Icons of Fashion Illustration. I can hardly add anything to his words to express my exact feelings, except for that I know, of course, that some illustrators use software too, but I will take into consideration only those who draw by hand.

Swedish artist Cecilia Carlstedt is one of the illustrators featured in the book. I’ve just discovered her works and I’ve been drawn by her minimalistic style and by her beautiful, delicate use of watercolour, ink and pencil strokes. Cecilia has been commissioned for a wide range of clients such as H&M, La Perla, Anthropologie, Paul Smith, Vogue, New York Times, W Magazine and The Wild Magazine.

• The New York home of my blog friend, designer Julie Paulino Yenicag of Belle Vivir, is featured in the latest edition of Rue Magazine. It’s inspiring!
• The art of making the Chanel cardigan
• Beautiful jewellery: Philip Crangi for JewelMint
• Simply the best: Tina Turner for German Vogue, the April issue
• Brumalis Studio: a floral paradise in the heart of Madrid
• “There is nothing that says more about its creator than the work itself.” (Akira Kurosawa, March 23, 1910-September 6, 1998). This week marks 103 years since the birth of one of the world’s greatest directors. Have you seen his movies?

photos: Cecilia Carlstedt website

10 Responses to Notebook pages

LatteLisa wrote on
--> 20 March 2013 at 12:41 pm

I don’t know why but these days I’m feeling somehow disinterested in fashion, yet your elegant blog posts always lure me in. The illustrations are beautiful. I like her minimalist approach.

And that link to the Brumalis Studio … sigh! Do you think they would mind if I moved in?!!
- classiq wrote on
  --> 20 March 2013 at 2:24 pm
  
  Thank you, Lisa.
design traveller wrote on
--> 20 March 2013 at 1:38 pm

These watercolours are breathtaking!
Helen@TheStyleSchedule wrote on
--> 20 March 2013 at 2:30 pm

Aaah, now you have my attention – I adore that 6th image of ink & pen – just beautiful! How timely… You’ll love what I have planned for the weekend! (more on that next week). Unfortunately you don’t really notice how much retouching and digital work goes into a print until you do one yourself. I was just having this conversation with a friend of mine last weekend – how the original painting is so much more appealing than a digitized print. These are lovely.:) Thanks for sharing Ada xx
Odessa wrote on
--> 20 March 2013 at 2:38 pm

Would love to have some of that art of my wall 🙂
Cristina wrote on
--> 20 March 2013 at 4:04 pm

Oh wow, I love fashion illustrations and these ones are so beautiful!
I didn’t know about Cecilia’s work, but I am delighted you told us about it! 🙂
Natalia wrote on
--> 20 March 2013 at 6:17 pm

I absolutely agree with Lisa – it’s such an elegant post (and blog), Ada. Very classy. x
- classiq wrote on
  --> 20 March 2013 at 6:32 pm
  
  Thank you, ladies.
julie at Belle Vivir wrote on
--> 27 March 2013 at 10:10 pm

Dear Ada,
Thanks for the link love.
cyber kisses,

Julie
julie at Belle Vivir wrote on
--> 27 March 2013 at 10:13 pm

By the way, these illustrations are stunning.