J.Larkowsky Illustration

The Final Eight: Dior Couture Spring 2008

josephlarkowsky — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:50:51 -0400

Here are all the illustrations together Im sorry they are so small but its a very long image!

Hope you like them.

(All Illustrations copyright)

More Dior: Dior Haute Couture Spring 2008 (Part 2)

josephlarkowsky — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:39:16 -0400

In my previous post I did mention how I didnt think I was completely done with the Dior Spring 2008 Couture collection.

I am now.

These last four sketches pick up where I left off and give four more absolutely insane visions conjured up by Galliano.

Again, I’ve actually attached the original runway images for you to compare and just to see how visually assaulting this collection is. There is so much to actually look at, its hard to focus on all the intricate embroideries, details and ideas crammed into each look.

So leaving off from the post before, the fifth look I chose was a shocking electric pink. A double extended corset jacket with enlarged draped back is dripping with 3D embroideries, dangling off the bodice and sleeves.

I really like the juxtaposition between the very simplistic, statuesque skirt combined with the enlarged silhouette given to the jacket. This is also topped of with large hooped earrings and a metallic saucer hat bu Stephen Jones.

The second look I chose is actually one of my favorites, and I dont think I gave it the justice it deserved. The beautiful skirt suit features the same enlarged, draped “Bubble” jacket, which features prominently in this collection.

The shirt and jacket are both embroidered with rows and rows of turquoise stones and sequins, gold and silver bullion and other golden hardware. The colour of the stones was very hard to draw onto the black base of the drawings, which unfortunately doesnt give it the same intensity of the actual image.

This seventh look was actually what made me start looking at the collection again. I was going to choose it for the first set of sketched but I discarded it until now.

The enormous mass of Purple satin is topped with sculptural fabric roses running around the hem, then topped with purple sequins brushed up the body of the dress. Another pair of metallic earrings and enormous metallic saucer hat top the look off.

The roses were strange. They are not very intricate but I really tried to make them look 3D, with a lot of shading and help from the watercolour base. I also made the sequins look as intense as they are, appearing as a sheet of glitter on the dress, by using layers of tippex and shades of purple fineliner.

This final look really tops off the collection nicely. A true homage to the main idea of this collection, Gustav Klimt. The noticeable traits of Klimt’s artwork are very visible in this look, with the bright golden yellow, small art deco roses and multilayered swirls.

The Dior Couture studios must have been sick of Klimt on completion of this look, its a fusion of “The Kiss” and “The Tree of Life”

I wanted to capture the extreme size of this gown and the light, air-filled drapes and folds of fabric, this was where all the shading in the fold came in. The illustration closeup shows all the layers of different materials, including felt-tips, pro-markers, fineliners and basically anything in my toolbox that was the correct hue.

I think im finally done with this collection. I’ve picked more looks than ever before and I think these two post really show hoe much I love Klimt, this entire collection and Galliano, for all his faults and public demise he was a real visionary.

(All Illustrations Copyright, Runway Images: Style.com)

Klimt Couture: Dior Haute Couture 2008

josephlarkowsky — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:47:00 -0400

John Galliano is undoubtedly one of the greatest designers of the 20th Century, despite his dramatic demise and very public fall from grace, I feel the work from his many years as Creative Director at Christian Dior should be praised.

The Spring 2008 Haute Couture show was one of Galliano’s greatest, showcasing his unmatchable imagination combining symbolist artists, with very heavy influences from Klimt and also a large splash of 1960’s psychedelia.

I’ve actually attached the original looks just so you can see how absolutely ludicrous these pieces are, and that my drawings are not just overblown ideas.

The first of these four looks was a floor-length, fishtail evening dress in a deep blue satin, encrusted with enormous blue beads. The dress features a double extended corset, jutting out over the hips, with a full draped back, giving it a very voluminous silhouette.

This was such an interesting look to draw, the multiple different ideas combined really work well with my style. The beads are created using 5 different layers, pencil, then two blue fineliners in slightly alternate shades, then layered with silver pen and also a black fineliner to highlight.

The second look I chose is probably my favorite of the looks I have chosen. The violent lime green skirt suit, with enormous exaggerated shoulders, collar and sleeves is absolutely covered in amazing embroidery and actually opened the show, setting the scene for this extraordinary show.

There is no way I would have gotten every single bead, jewel or palette required to make such an opulent jacket int this sketch so unfortunately I had to improvise, making it look the best I could. I really wanted to get across the sense of volume so I used deep shading, which I rarely do.

The third sketch has already been snapped up by my Mother. I had only just drawn the outline and she told me she wanted it. The turquoise tulip shape dress features an enormous rosette on the front, and iss embroidered with coral stones and gold bullion in beautiful swirls covering the cocktail dress.

Again i used the shading in this sketch, I really wanted to portray the enlarged style all the garments had, but still keeping everything feminine and light. This look, like many others in the show, was topped off with an extraordinary hat created for Dior by Stephen Jones. The Gold saucer perched on-top of the models head just adds to the overall silhouette of this sketch, giving it a very ‘Alien’ look.

The last look I chose was a deep purple dress, with direct references to Klimt’s work, including gilt swirls covering one side of the dress. It wasn’t until I tried to find a more detailed image of this dress, that I realised the fabric was folded into an enormous rosette on the side, giving each angle of the garment a different dimension, style and silhouette.

Decorated in enormous golden and beaded triangles, this dress was quite hard to get the proportion right but not overwhelm the page or my figure. I had to use a biro to do over the gold pe enough to make the embroideries really look layered on, but I think it works really well.

Dont be surprised if you see more of from this collection on my blog, Im in utter awe of Galliano’s unique vison and take on the Symbolist movement, and there are many more extreme looks I would like to tackle.

(All Images Copyright. Runway Images Style.com)

Floral Fusion, Balenciaga Spring 2008

josephlarkowsky — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:11:00 -0400

It was a sad day in the Fashion Industry when the Creative Director of Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquiere resigned from his position.

Ghesquiere is one of my favorite designers, and his creations for Balenciaga throughout his 15 Year tenure inspired me and made me want to be apart of this amazing industry.

The main thing I remember about this collection from Spring 2008 is the review from Sally Singer, at the time Fashion Features Editor at American Vogue saying “Everyone is doing Corset lacing, THAT’s the way to do Corset lacing. Everyone is doing florals, THAT’s the way to do florals.”

The first look I chose was the simplest of the five looks. This pale pink stiffened satin pant suit emphasises the robotic, futuristic aspect of this show, as well as Ghesquiere’s aesthetic.

Because this look features no embellishment or pattern, I could really get the sheen of the satin correct with layers of watercolour to show the darker parts. The pants are fully corseted with the same pink laces from ankle to hip.

The second look I chose features a remastered print from the Balenciaga archive, printed onto satin. An exaggerated shoulder which has been corseted with the same pattered lace.

These florals were very intricate, some patterns in the collection were very small but this one was enlarged. I really love the hard shapes used in the silhouette combined with the feminine shape.

This third look was a beautiful armoured look covered in Orange and Black rose prints. The enlarged sleeves made from gathered fabric are bold and perfectly formed like topiary.

This print was much easier to form. I painted the garments with a white watercolour then dropped droplets of orange watercolour which are quite visible in the closeup, finished off with black and orange fineliner.

This fourth look is possibly one of my favorites from the whole collection. A blown up gingham check covering a beautifully sculpted jacket and tulip skirt. The striking fuchsia colour perfectly balances the exaggerated silhouette of this look.

I got the gingham effect by layering the watercolour up, waiting for the first set of stripes to dry before applying the opposite direction. I then accentuated it with a pink fineliner. All of the inverted pleats in this collection were so deep, I used a pencil to create shading and give the sketches a 3D feel.

The final look I chose is actually the first look of the collection. This look is utter perfection. The beautiful orange colour mixed with the enlarged botanical print and the sculpted, corseted details This dress is also worn in the new Balenciaga ‘Florabotanica’ perfume advertisement featuring Kristen Stuart.

I had alot of fun drawing this dress as the silhouette is so strong, it sits really nicely on my figure. The enlarged shoulder and hip are accentuated by the deep pleat in the skirt and arching corsetry running down both sides of the minidress. The dress also features perforation on both shoulders, chest and around the two front center panels, giving this look an extra sporty and futuristic look.

I couldn’t finish this post without a little look at the shoes. They really are absolutely spectacular, true pieces of art work. Later on in the show, they featured pin, yellow and green leather but these ones are monochromatic. Using traditional techniques such as lacing, braiding, plaiting and stringing leather circles together, the mix of African tribes, Sportswear and robotic armour really blow me away.

Im so glad I finally tackled this collection, as it truly is an absolute masterpiece from start to finish. I may end up sketching some more of the beautiful looks in the future but the current selection really showcases the amazing creativity Nicolas Ghesquiere bought to Balenciaga. He will be truly missed.

Couture No More, Givenchy Haute Couture Fall 2009:

josephlarkowsky — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:05:00 -0400

Recently, the house of Givenchy, currently under the creative direction of Riccardo Ticci, decided to stop producing its Haute Couture Collections and focusing on its Ready-to-Wear designs.

Its speculated that there has been a severe decline in Haute Couture in the past years and that this exclusive art form, only sold to a handful of buyers across the world, is dying out.

When I heard about the news that Givenchy was pulling stopping its Couture shows, I immediately opened my sketchpad and started to draw one of my all time Couture collections, which also happens to be Givenchy.

The first look I chose reminds me of a culture fusion between the Muslim community, the Egyptian Pharos and the streets of Brooklyn, New York.

This fusion of ideas is what Ticci excel’s at, and this black hooded jumpsuit, teamed with elaborate golden jewelry covering the models body would grab anyone’s attention.

I love the gold in this piece. The simplistic but beautifully draped jumpsuit created a beautiful form around the illustrations body but the dramatic jewelry spiraling up the arms and around the models neck and face are what really drew me to this look.

The second look I chose was a floor-length ivory gown with ombre orange skirt. The bodice of this dress is stiff and had multiple panels creating its formed silhouette. The dress is accentuated by the layers of Ivory leather bracelets towering up the models arm.

This dress is so dramatic I had to draw it in movement. You really get a full view of the 3D bodice, formed around the models figure and then linking into the paneled skirt. I loved using my watercolors to seep into the ivory tone with the strong orange.

The final look I chose was a very ethereal, ghostly outfit. One thing I really love about Ticci’s work is his ability to take something usually regarded as ‘Day-Time’ or ‘Casual’ and makes it couture. This time a pair of oversized, relaxed chino sat on the models hips are teamed with a fully embellished corset, in silver bullion and crystal. The model is then draped in a cascade of ivory chiffon, pooling around her feet as she walks down the runway.

When it comes to drawing things that have different layers in the look, I have to fully sketch the first part before layering over the next part. I draw like you would dress someone. Headdress last! I really tired to get a 3D look to the beaded corset, as the jewels are too good to let slide.

I love this collection, as well as pretty much every other Givenchy Couture collection so I am very sad that I wont be seeing anymore for a while. However, hopefully the House’s Hiatus wont last for long.

Print Phobia, Prada Fall 2012

josephlarkowsky — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:58:00 -0400

I’ve been really busy so haven’t had time to draw most things let alone get them ready to upload.

Im currently on a train and have no Internet, the perfect time to sort some sketches out.

These sketches were suggested by a follower I have here on Tumblr.

Muccia Prada pulled from her own archives for her Fall 2012 show in Milan. Crazy print, on print, with more print and embellishments were stemmed from an idea she had used in a collection for the late 90’s.

These three sketches were so hard to finally get right so im very pleased I had time to scan them and share them with you.

This first outfit is a cropped top with elongated dress-tails flailing behind. A high-wasted orange maxi skirt with matching trousers (I find this idea is so chic its untrue!)

The top and skirt are both embellished with large plastic shapes, tubular pipes and gems, adding to the bold ideas which feature throughout the collection.

The second outfit I chose uses all the ideas shown in the collection. A large mix of print, length and proportion and also embellishment. Menswear played quite a large part in this collection, with models wearing sleeveless shirts, bibs and a lot of pants.

This look was very stressful to draw. It required extreme concentration as each row of diamonds is inverted from the last. The layers of print really create such an interesting visual when cropped.

The third and final look I chose is quite similar to the second, just in a very bright orange. Again the diamond pattern is inverted, with an empire waist dress and mismatching pattern cropped pants underneath.

This look again, is really interesting when cropped. Although these patterns play havoc with my eyes and probably gave me a tremendous headache, the final outcome looks really cool.

Im glad I finally got around to posting them. Sorry for taking so long.

QUICK QUESTION: If you follow me on Instagram...

josephlarkowsky — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:55:57 -0400

QUICK QUESTION: If you follow me on Instagram (@josayhef/@jlarkowsky) you’ll know I post sneak-previews of sketches I’m doing. Would you like to see these incorporated in the final posts too? Let me know.

J.Larkowsky.

Cant wait to see 2008 fall winter McQueen by you

josephlarkowsky — Sun, 05 May 2013 07:04:00 -0400

I have really bad news…..

When I came to scan my sketch In I discovered it had been ruined by water…

This is so sad but I hope you can see why im not going to scan it!

Sorry! Thankyou for your support of my work!

J.Larkowsky

life is boring without your illustrations

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:25:51 -0400

Haha

I’m so sorry! I know I haven’t posted in ages but I e been really busy with other projects and haven’t had much time to scan any sketches.

I will try and sort some things out o either weekend.

Sorry again.

J.Larkowsky

what is the main media do you use and on what kind of paper? You are UH-MAZING btw!!!! :)

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:24:13 -0400

Hello,

Thank you so much, it’s lovely to hear from you.

I use watercolours, fineliners and tippex on a watercolour paper.

I usually note if I use anything specific in my posts.

Any more questions just ask.

J.Larkowsky

Hey when are you going to post next haven't seen u in a while????

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:21:20 -0400

Hello!

I’m so sorry for not posting in a while, I have a couple of sketches lined up but haven’t had time to scam them in yet, I’ve been quite buy with external projects.

Keep checking back as I will very much try to post some more work soon.

J.Larkowsky

Where are you haven't seen u in a couple of months :(

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:21:13 -0400

Hello!

I’m so sorry for not posting in a while, I have a couple of sketches lined up but haven’t had time to scam them in yet, I’ve been quite buy with external projects.

Keep checking back as I will very much try to post some more work soon.

J.Larkowsky

Hey are you going to post soon hang heard from you in nearly a month??

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:21:09 -0400

Hello!

I’m so sorry for not posting in a while, I have a couple of sketches lined up but haven’t had time to scam them in yet, I’ve been quite buy with external projects.

Keep checking back as I will very much try to post some more work soon.

J.Larkowsky

Hi How are ya ? when will u make a post about McQueen 2008 fall

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:19:18 -0400

Hello,

I tried skewing some of the eased buy only one really worked well enough.

I haven’t had much time to scan recently so please bare with ,e.

Thanks again.

J.Larkowsky

hey J, you are such an inspiration! I've been checking out your works , they're are really inspirational and class. i would like to see a resort collection or beachwear of your illustrations(nothing in particular), would you consider it? :) good luck with your works and future! <3 :)

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:18:00 -0400

Hello!

Thank you for your interest, I will have a little look into sketching some resort-wear. It takes the right collection to get some great final outcomes so I may wait till the Pre-Spring 2014 collections are released.

Thanks again.

J.Larkowsky

Hey would you ever consider sketching rodarte fall 2008

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:16:08 -0400

Hello,

I actually referenced this particular collection in my GCSE’s.

I love it and will try and do some illustrations soon!

J.Larkowsky

Can you pleeeeeeeeeze do the prada fall 2012 virtual princess collection it will be amamxong!!

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:14:21 -0400

Hello,

I have done some of the illustrations from this particular Prada collection however have not had time to scan them yet, sorry.

Keep checking back.

J.larkowsky

Hey, one thing I'd luv for you to attempt is alexander wang, particularly his debut at balenciaga, another would be fw 2012 rtw dior show which I think you would execute perfectly!!!!!

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:13:01 -0400

Hey.

Thank you for contacting me.

I’ve tried a couple of the sketches you suggested but they didn’t seem to work as well as I’d hoped.

I may try again soon.

Hope you are well

J.Larkowsky

Hey luv ur work soooooooo much but would you consider sketching prada fall 2012 virtual princess collection???

josephlarkowsky — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:40:07 -0400

Hello,

Thankyou for your interest, Here is a sneak peak at the first Prada Fall 2012 Collection sketch.

Hope you like it.

Joseph.

Hi love love love your sketching skills would you consider sketching final runway piece from McQueen 2008 fall wintter collection

josephlarkowsky — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 09:43:58 -0400

Hello,

I have tried sketching the final look before, however it is far too much material to make it look as fantastic in a sketch. I am however working on some other looks from that collection, here is a sneak preview.

Keep checking back in the next week as I will post it then.

Thanks. J.Larkowsky