Illustration Now! Fashion

This year has shaped up to be the year that the fashion illustrator returns to a starring role within the business of fashion. Taschen has joined the ranks of publishers who have seen fit to resuscitate a profession that some have forgotten as a vital aspect of this business. Think back when newspapers only advertised using illustration as a means of conveying an image of an object of fashion; what would Butterick and the catalogues have done without them?

Illustration Now! Fashion is an amazing compilation of some of the greatest fashion illustrators of the 21st century. Unquestionably this epic undertaking can be used as both reference and as an endless source of entertainment and edification.

Each of the 100 or so artists slash illustrators is given several pages to exhibit work as well as to elucidate the reader of their professional commissions and affiliations. With each of the talents we are afforded one quote that gives us some insight as to how they approach or what is behind their artistry. The quotes are amazingly concise and on point.

There is great credit to be given to Mr. Wiedemann in that he has rarely duplicated any of the artists that have been mentioned in many other books on the subject. He highlights so many hugely talented but lesser known illustrators as well as giving star treatment to a few of the more well-known such as Gladys Perint Palmer, Richard Haines, Reuben Toledo, and Bil Donovan.

Notable about this almost encyclopedic collection is that the text is in three languages, and that the opening essays are really not necessary even though they strive to explain the origins and raison d’etre for fashion illustration. Thankfully the three do not detract from the subject as the illustrations are just superb, and the scope of the illustrations is seemingly endless.

With the season of gift giving getting closer, if you know any fashionphiles and ones in particular who appreciate fine illustrations or just plain great talent, be a hero and gift this book.