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.

CURVY PICK OF THE DAY…. RING ACCENT SURPLICE DRESS BY LANE BRYANT

This dress has a metal ring accent and flattering faux wrap shape, the surplice front neck-line makes the most of your curves! It has a pull-on style with an elastic waist and cap sleeves. Perfect for office, evening or weekend, simply add accessories and you've got a winning style that turns heads.



Photo Credit: http://sonsi.lanebryant.com/

Fashion For Justice: Wear a Hoodie for Trayvon Martin Rally

by Farrah Estrella & TaNashea McLeod

Photo Credit: Janaria Hallingquest  http://www.hallingquestphotography.com/

Tampa's radio station Wild 94.1 is having a rally this Saturday March 24, 2012 at 10:30 am at Al Lopez Park in Tampa in support of the Justice for Trayvon Martin case, the young teenage boy that was allegedly racial profiled for wearing a hoodie.
Who knew that a Hoodie was going to be something that could get someone killed?
As fashion Writers and Bloggers we do care about social issues. This one hit close to home not only because it is in our home state of Florida but also because we are Black and Hispanic. Ta’Nashea is a mother of three boys and hoodies are a staple in their wardrobe, as with most people young and old alike. The hooded sweater dates back as far as the 1930’s. It became popular in the 1970’s with the Hip Hop culture, but is internationally known and worn by every walk of life. During the 1990’s high profile fashion designers used hoodies as major components in their collections and still do so today. Most people can’t even fathom the idea that the clothing they put on will play a role in them being racial profiled and unlawfully killed. Yes! Fashion is way to make a statement without using words, but Young Trayvon’s voice could be heard calling for help loud and clear on the 911 recording. Let’s pull together as a people and help get justice for Trayvon.

Al Lopez Park

LOCATION:
4810 N. Himes Ave.
Tampa, FL 33614

CURVY TRENDS

by TaNashea McLeod

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TREND THIS SEASON?

PEPLUM

Photo Credit: http://us.asos.com/

COLOR BLOCK

Photo Credit: http://shop.nordstrom.com/ (Adrianna Papell)

BOLD JEWELRY

Photo Credit: http://www.sooochicaccessories.com/

ANIMAL PRINTS

Photo Credit: http://www.forever21.com/

WEDGES

Photo Credit: http://www.bestgirlsboutique.com/

  PATTERN SUNDRESSES

Photo Credit: http://www.ashleystewart.com/

BELTS

Photo Credit: http://www.lafayette148ny.com/

BRIGHT AND VIBRANT COLORS

Photo Credit: http://www.dots.com/

CLUTCHES

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Xong-Hang-Photography/

http://www.esprotege.com/

SK WiLBUR

by TaNashea McLeod

Photo Credit: http://www.skwilbur.com/

Sorta Kinda Enterprises is a New York based fashion company that was founded in 1998 by Wilbur Pack, Jr.

Designer Wilbur Pack, Jr. showed an appreciation for stylish, beautiful women at a very early age. At 29 years old he finally broke free from the shackles of self-doubt and began to follow his dream. SK Wilbur is how he honors his life's calling.

SK Wilbur’s Mission is to create a collection that lives up to the company's credo of being BOLD, CLASSIC, & MODERN while providing women who are young in spirit with stylish, inventive options for day to evening dressing.

SK Wilbur has been featured in many prestigious magazines and received press in the NY Post, Women’s Wear Daily, and Jet, just to name a few.  Designer Wilbur Pack, Jr. gained great exposure as a recent contestant on the reality show 24 Hour Catwalk on the major network Lifetime Television.

Video Credit: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheStylishmaven

One thing is for sure SK Wilbur is “A new dominion where size does not matter and everything curvy is LUXURIOUS and FABULOUS! Shapeless, dowdy dresses are a thing of the past. At SK WiLBUR they celebrate your curves and appreciate your bodies. It's a new day for the full-figured woman.”

For more information visit: http://www.skwilbur.com/

CURVY PICK OF THE DAY….THE CLAIRE DRESS FROM QUEEN GRACE

The Claire Dress is from Queen Grace Signature Spring Collection. Growl. Could there be a more powerful, sexy feline style animal pattern as the leopard print? QQ has selected the boldest, more flattering fabric, cut the sleeves with a ragline shoulder to compliment your beautiful arms, tri-sleeve, chocolate brown satin high waist panels and perfectly stretchy, body hugging style to accentuate your every move. Knee length hem, open v-neckline.

Photo Credit: http://queengrace.com/