London Collections Men, Hackett

London Fashion Week kicked off the new year and the new look at fashion for 2013. I have taken a look at several of the collections and illustrated them on recycled Sherlock Holmes Short Story Book Pages and are available at the shop

This first look is at the Hackett Collection. The WWD review provides a great rundown of the runway.

Jeremy Hackett took to the crypt of Saint Paul’s Cathedral in east London for his show that was all about the snazzy English gent — the sort who wears a bowler hat to work. Hackett played with traditional men’s wear patterns such as Prince of Wales and windowpane checks, and mixed and layered tailored pieces with patterned knitwear in the form of sweater vests, V-neck pullovers and scarves.

Sold.

The Rake at the shop

The Dapper at the shop

The Dandy at the shop

Fashion Illustration Web Headers

I began developing some Web-Header illustrations a while back that never were used. Hope is still strong within me that they will find a purpose one day. Today though, these fine illustrations are nice enough to share themselves as examples of my process. When I am illustrating there is an overall process that guides the work I do. Not everything is done the same way, but almost always there is a similar strategy to them. The Web-Headers have been the most straight-forward and will hopefully provide a bit of knowledge and maybe a bit of joy as well.

With this controlled style I start with a pencil sketch and follow it with an ink outline (I use a round brush from sizes 1-6 and black india ink, usually Dr. Ph. Martins).

When the ink dries I do a heavy wash of base colors in watercolor to cover most of the work space (This is mostly water and a little bit of watercolor to create a unique ethereal background).

Finally all that's left is filling in the details of lights and darks to pull the form of the figures from off the page (personally I feel that it is ok to use white gouache over watercolor to create some highlights and not to just leave the white of the background, where many watercolor purists would smack me in the face at the mention of it).

Milan Men's Fashion Week… Illustration Weekly 4

Milan Men's Fashion Week ended early last week. It came bracing the heels of the London Collections: Men but quickly slowed its pace to saunter as the first collections took to the runway. In, what appeared to be a stiffened gaze on the acceptable and conservative dress, Milan began showing the colors of slumping sales.

The evident gray tones throughout the collections were a nod to winter and perhaps a suggestion that the economy takes creative license at times. Missing Missoni founders weighted the grays even more to all who were present.

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But in fashion a show without pizazz is no show at all. As the days lengthened and the collections began growing in number the bold and beautiful emerged. The controversial Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas designed a fantastic set for Prada, lacy men's lingerie was premiered by Versace and while many collections featured hand-bags Gucci stole eyes with gold-chained handcuff portfolios. Among the more implicitly traditional yet awesome in beauty were Canali, DSquared2, Burberry and Diesel Black Gold. (See the collections on Vogue)

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The Autumn/Winter 2013 collections in Milan did not turn out to be strikingly exotic or outrageous but once again the power house families and houses did not cease to amaze. Perhaps this year will see a respect for tradition and the burden of sales will give way to the freedom of creativity.

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-Sunflowerman

instagram @sunflowerman

twitter @sunflowermatt

The Smokes Collection, Available Now

The Book Page Fashion Illustrations come out of a love for men's fashion and culture. The Book Page Collection Series is about knowledge, sophistication and originality. Each illustration is hand painted on a recycled book page using non-toxic india inks and watercolors. When you see a Sunflowerman Fashion Illustration you are always seeing an original piece of art. Each image is created to be a unique creation fit for any collector or casual lover of the arts.

The Smokes Collection is now available at the shop where you can see the whole series.

But if you don't have time, here is a little teaser.

'The Smokes" Collection

The Construction of Dinosaurs...

The Construction of Dinosaurs is a painting I did live at Sam Flax nearly a year ago. It was a part of a promotion for One Love Generation, an Atlanta non-profit mentoring teens in arts and service. I brought a camera along to document the 8 hour process. The week before I spent some time developing a concept and composition to have a plan going into the day. A friend had suggested a while back that I do a painting of a kid pouring water on a blow up dinosaur. From there you have what came below.

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Enjoy.

Illustration Weekly 3...

Just Look to the Streets of London

London Collections: Men launched its second season this past week spring-boarding the new year's fashion frenzy. Milan came hurriedly after, jaunting there own sartorial say on 2013.

I of course could not resist the opportunity to include my thoughts on the spectacle; a spectacle of great beauty and pomp.

Some are even noticing a decidedly more interesting… (Read the rest of the article at TheFollowFashion.com)

-Sunflowerman

instagram- @sunflowerman

twitter- @sunflowermatt

London Collections Men, 2013… Book Page Fashion Illustrations

London Collections: Men is done and the fashion world has moved on to the next thing (being, Pitti and Milan). Beautiful things have happened with the collections this year and I can't wait to throw my spin on them. In two weeks I will be launching the London Collections Men 2013 Fashion Illustrations at sunflowermanfashion.com.

I will be focusing on five designers from the collection and identifying some of the main items in the collections that stood out to me.

The two sets of images previewed here are from the Matthew Miller Collection and the E. Tautz Collection.

Stay posted for more info about this series.

My Look at the Matthew Miller Collection...

I didn't have the foresight to see all of the London Collections for Men as it was happening this year, but looking back upon the collections I stopped with the Matthew Miller Collection. Admittedly I was drawn to his work because I follow him on twitter (@Studio_M_Miller) and there was no end of Matthew Miller this and Matthew Miller that. When the collection made its way to my browser it caught me off guard. I was spending time with the Hackett and E. Tautz Collections which were giving me much more of what I would have expected, and giving well.

I took to understanding this Black Collection by doing what I do best. See my thoughts in these five illustrations.

I didn't quite capture the darkness in the collection with these brush drawings, but the essence of the movement and mood are present in each.

Enjoy

A Sneak Peak… Fashion Forward

I was sketching out some looks from the weeks' London Collections: Men. E. Tautz caught my attention to the greatest degree. While becoming intimate with the Autumn/Winter 2013 Collection I had an idea. Later, in my studio I started to work out the idea. Research is still to be done before I leap into this, and as far as I am aware fashion illustration has not been approached in quite this way. I can't say what the idea is yet, but here is a sneak peak into my mind. [gallery type="square" ids="2128,2129,2132,2133,2131,2134,2130"]

Tie + Jacket Collection

For those of you wondering where you might find a Book Page Fashion Illustration the mystery will soon be resolved. Tomorrow is the launch of the online gallery and store. The link will be available here tomorrow so be sure to check it out.

The first release will be the Tie and Jacket Collection with new releases coming each of the next three weeks.

Every Book Page Fashion Illustration is an original Watercolor painting on recycled book pages. Tie +Jacket is a fashion series focusing on bold lines and strong compositions. The pursuit of Knowledge, Sophistication and Creativity are the framework for every illustration.

The Condesa Installation...

Condesa Coffee has the best coffee in Atlanta. I can never say too many good things about the people who work there and spend time there. They have been gracious enough to share their walls with me and below is the first installation of the Book Page Fashion Illustrations at Condesa.  

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Sunflowerman/ Hackett/ London 2013...

The London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2013 Collection:Men is happening now! As a Fashion Illustrator the newest collections are a great for a fresh dose of inspiration.. I am stoked to see all of the collections coming out for fall and winter 2013. Of the collections thus far I have taken fancy to the Lou Dalton and the Hackett collections. My tendency is to be attracted to more conservative styles and that is exactly where I find myself to this point. There were a couple of collections that were visually exacerbating. Understanding the expressive nature of these shows I am still left winded by the likes of Fashion East and Craig Green.

Above is my take on the Hackett collection. I love the muted colors and classic lines.

Illustration Weekly…2

January is here!

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The cold is with us and from it there is no escape. We must defend ourselves against the cold winds and icy precipitation. Days define themselves with the tremors of cold and the burn of red on every face. Evenings are filled with huddled blankets, craning around the hearth and the haste of sipping on hot chocolate (or if you are more like myself- hot tea).

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In the midst of the season there is joy. Winter is the time for Layers! Nestle in to your favorite shirt. Slip the socks around your feet and consider the colors and patterns for the day’s tie. Should it be silk or knitted? Patterned or plain? Don that Trench or that Pea Coat or one of those many seasonal sweaters. And I admonish you to not forget about the accents. Perhaps it is a tie-clip or some sort of lapel pin. As always, be creative, look great and during the winter season please stay warm.

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-Sunflowerman

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Instagram @sunflowerman

twitter @sunflowermatt

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See this article on TheFollowFashion.com

And check back every week on theFollowFashion.com and Sunflowerman.com for more on this fashion series.

Juwan Mass Install...

I met this guy through a coffee shop. He has a passion for Men's clothing and eye for art and we hit it off. The resulting collaboration is what you see below.  

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Fashion Animals...

The animals want to look good too. This is just a look into one of my sketchbooks.

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The Harrap Project...

My friend Chris Harrap had an idea and asked me to be a part in it. My expertise is in illustration and from that I was able to contribute an image for the project. There is a necessary amount of secrecy with this project but I do feel honored to show some of the process of the painting and of my end of the contribution.  

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The Fashion Book Page Illustrations...

As time progresses the beauty of the Fashion Book Page Illustrations deepens. The textures and colors and lines move delicately and proudly around the page as the color undulates in and out of the surface plane. See some of the current work below and let me know what you think of what they have become.  

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The Black and White, Black Friday Photoshoot...

This is a photoshoot I was lucky enough to have my brother around for. He is the model in the photographs. We were trying out this idea for Black Friday and the Book Page Fashion Illustrations. It was to be called Black & White, Black Friday and we were featuring some illustrations that were done with just the black ink and no watercolor. I have to say, the whole experiment was a bust. It may have been the lateness of my decision or my lack of marketing experience, but in the end I did come away with this great set of images.

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Bow Tie, How-to...

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A few months ago I was approached by Q Custom Clothier in Dallas, Texas to do a Bow Tie info-graphic. As I am an avid Bow Tie wearer I jumped at the chance.

I began with some preliminary sketches and rough draft. From there I found some unsuspecting souls to test the usability of the graphic. There were several issues to work out and what came of it is what you see here.

Enjoy, thank the folks at Q Clothier, (qcustomclothier.com) and let me know if this works for you.

Enter the New Year...

      A new year with a chance for a new breath, a deep breath and a resonant calm. Yet life moves forward, work must be done and new passions must be inspired. I say that this year is for following your fashion fancies. Don't think Peacock, think Lion. Think majesty and splendor.

 This year is for experimenting with fabrics, styles and accessories. Maybe wear a boutonniere to that dinner party, or a tie clip to work. Step out of your comfort zone with a an exciting tweed or a bright color. Be emboldened with new ideas, stand tall on your creative initiative and plan for a few mistakes.

 This is a new year, a new breath and a new view on life.

-Sunflowerman

See this article on TheFollowFashion.com

And check back every week on theFollowFashion.com and Sunflowerman.com for more on this fashion series.