Fashion Illustrator: Dres Henri

By: Farrah Estrella

Dres Henri is a London based forward thinking, innovative & progressive Fashion Illustrator for up & coming designer labels, websites & magazines. He has been featured on numerous fashion websites and Blogs.

With many years of commercial experience of networking as a Fashion Illustrator (F.I.) under his belt, he is used to working with big portfolios and drawing fashionable illustrations from garments to accessories. 

Here is a Q& A with Dres Henri:

What has been the highlight of your illustration career so far?

Ithas to be recently working with LEVI's for a fashion magazine. I’ve done Menswear illustrations based on the Legendary Jeanswear brand summer casualwear collection.

How long have you been in the Fashion Industry?

I have been in the Fashion Industry for over 12 years now, I started off as a Fashion Designer for about 8 years then decided to work behind the scenes with my first love which is Illustration.

The Fashion Industry is such a broad field, why illustration?

Behind every great recording artist is a great producer. Every fashion collection starts with illustration designs. Besides all of that, my artwork is the main reason why I got into fashion college (London College of Fashion) in the first place.

What inspires your designs?

My artwork is inspired by all the elements of the earth including shapes, colors, music & people. It doesn't take much for me to start a new body clothing collection. For the most part, its mainly me competing with the man in the mirror, challenging myself to the next level.

What is your signature piece?

Despite the fact that I illustrate collections of clothes, I also have a whole new portfolio called “'Fashion Art” which consists of just Accessories. It has no color, just fine-line artwork and you can see it on my Facebook page.

Where can we find these pieces?

You can mostly find my pieces on fashion illustration websites like; Artists & Illustrators, NINETEEN74, Fashion Industry Networking & Facebook.

What is something that you cannot live without?

I cannot live without my pencil, pen & drawing pad.

Briefly walk us through your design process.

The process of my artwork usually starts with a rough sketch of a garment then gets develop into a illustrated collection.

What were you like in High School/University?

 I haven't changed much, I am still fun, vibrant & focused.

Describe your personal style?

I would say my personal style is clean & coordinated.

What would you say sets you apart from most Fashion Illustrators?

I'm defined by my page layouts which allows me to incorporate matching accessories, collaborated with smooth hand-drawn fine lines.

Tell us about the first thing you ever created

As a Fashion Designer, it was a dress for my first university course. As an Illustrator, it was a 1960's costume when I was on work-experience.

Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for future Fashion Illustrators?

Be inspired. Don't lose your focus. Keep updating your artwork on your website & on Fashion Illustration websites. Also interact with Bloggers & Art Directors to promote your artwork.

For more information on Dres Henri visit his website at www.Dresdecour.carbonmade.com or his Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/DresHenri.

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

By TaNashea McLeod

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well that’s what they say anyway. My question is what is your eye telling you about beauty?
Last year I entered a contest where the contestants had to explain why they loved being full-figured. Although I didn’t win the contest, I did have what Oprah would call an "Aha!!! Moment."
As I soaked in a hot bath long after my husband and three little boys were sleeping, not only did I notice that many of the contestants stories were similar to mine, you know “I used to hate myself now I love myself” that song and dance.
I also began to recall all the times from my past when I had gone on crash diets, taken laxatives, worked out until I almost passed out, and yes even threw up my food.
Don’t act like I’m the only one who has been beyond desperate to fit into the next to impossible requirements that just might and I mean might, put this dark skinned, kinky hair, plus sized girl on the A list of pretty.
Then for the first time in a long time I became frustrated with myself. I wondered why it had taken me so many years to see that while being healthy, making a good first impression and of course being fashionable are all very important.
Knowing who you are and ultimately realizing that it is you who is The Beholder and therefore you who determine what constitutes Beauty.
I know what you’re thinking “Duh!!!” Well all that is easier said than believed.
This letter isn’t a free past to let yourself go and become a slob, but it is a reminder to put one’s self on the A list of pretty.
I can’t really remember the exact day I stopped allowing myself to be governed by the cookie cutter dress code for beauty, but I can remember the freedom that comes with no longer being a slave to someone else’s ideals. For me Beauty is having the courage to try even if it means I may fail. So again I ask you. What is your eye telling you about beauty?

Photo Credits: Just Right Photography &  http://estrellafashionreport.blogspot.com/