This week is an exciting week and adventure for me, as I am spending it in New York City! As I am in the pursuit for these new adventures, I took a trip to the MET and just let myself get lost in the countless exhibitions. Believe me, it's very easy to do! One room that was easy to find and a goal of mine to reach was the Arms and Armor room. There is something so fascinating about armor to me. How people were able to move in so much metal and also how much effort went in to creating it, is so mind blowing considering the technology of the time. So many of the suits of armor are decorated in the most delicate scrollwork that sometimes even tells a story!
As as I was walking through the exhibit, feeling inspired, I remembered my Modern Medieval collection, which was inspired by armor! I drew directly from the contrast between the heaviness of the metal and the delicate scroll work.
Rather than draw from the silhouettes of the armor, I focused on the tiny details and swirling patterns to create embroidery and beading. I did find influence from the strength that the suits conveyed. I wanted this collection to make a women feel powerful and confident, yet still delicate. In one of these dresses, a woman could conquer the world while still feeling feminine. The colors also reflected this, mysterious jewel tones drawing from velvet details from armor and from medieval scenery and tapestries.
With this project, and like with many other projects, I like to take the chance to experiment with my illustration style. I did a lot of research on fashion illustrators as well as styles of drawing from medieval times. Gathering different pieces from all of these sources, I decided to play with a very long figure, trying to give them a mysterious and haunting look, going off of inspirational pictures of abandoned castles. Billowing hair and a more edgey face gave the finishing touches. I also expirmented with a new media: eyeshadow! It gave the dresses a wonderful sparklingly quality, adding the perfect touch of shimmer to reflect the shine of the etched metal of armor to fully capture my source of inspiration.
Go explore a new museum and thanks for reading!