Haute couture has always been one aspect in fashion that fascinates us to no end.
How the theatrical, intricately detailed and somehow, full of grandeur interpretation of what a clothing can do, indeed takes our imagination and spirits to greater heights than we could ever imagine. It was undoubtedly the starting point of our love for fashion.
That is why, we were incredibly stoked and excited to form a collaborative team with the extremely talented Californian illustrator Lidia Luna, whose extreme flair in illustration elevates one of our favourite looks from Armani Prive Fall/Winter Haute Couture 2013 (above), with a touch of magic.
Featuring essence of gold in gem, its elegant, sophisticated and extremely charming, in a totally feminine manner that we love a lot.
Some of her other impeccable renditions of Prêt-á-Porter as well as Haute Couture runway offerings that we love include the likes of Givenchy, Valentino, Armani (below) and Dolce & Gabbana, to name a few, which were all drawn and rendered with beautiful precision in strokes.
In all essence, Lidia Luna whose unique and iconic style in illustration has clearly sparked a hint at the amalgamation of art in the renaissance age mixed with her own modern touch. Sublime or what?
Well, check out as we speak to Lidia herself in this exclusive interview:
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I must say that you have this amazing ability to create an ethereal effect, yet have this bold and defined vibe in all your illustrations! How do you do it and what adjectives would you use to sum up your drawing style?
Lidia: Once I’m done researching and viewing all the collections, I just dive right into it. I would sum it up with dramatic, romantic, elegant, poetic, with a love of technical precision.
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What are your main inspiration and influences in your work?
Lidia: I love beautiful things. When I see the first glimmers of a collection I feel this rush of inspiration and awe. I must capture the essence and beauty of it all. There is something special about illustrating real objects and individuals. The object or person has been dissected by the artist’s eyes and reconstructed by the artist’s hands. This is why I’m never tired of doing illustrations. Also my experience of Nature and the serendipitous themes in my day.
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You are now drawing your inspirations from the Couture Fall/Winter 2013 runway collections. Who is favorite couturier of the season?
Lidia: The Valentino show (above) had so many astonishing pieces. The marriage of ocean and land creatures, the textures, and the skilful craftsmanship is inspiring.
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Are there any artists whom you look up to?
Lidia: I find inspiration from so many painters, comic book artists, illustrators, film makers and even video game concept artists. Here are a few in no particular order. Gustave Doré ,Yoshitaka Amano , Ayami Kojima, Jean Giraud Moebius, Hayao Miyazaki, Erte, Antonio Lopez, Andrew Wyeth, David Hockney, Gustave Moreau, Caravaggio
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Do you remember the first one illustration?
Lidia: My first fashion illustration was for a photo-real assignment in college. I choose a Dior ad featuring a model holding a purse. We had to use gouache as the medium. I love a good challenge especially working with something unfamiliar. My professor gave me 120% A+++.
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What’s your illustration project that you are most proud of?
Lidia: I like my current body of work. It took a lot of time and patience to find my style. If you take a look at my stacks of sketchbooks the foundations are there. I just had to refine. I’m still discovering new ways to approach each piece.
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You only draw woman’s illustration and accessories, why not men’s?
There is great beauty in fine men’s wear. I just tend to gravitate towards what I would want to wear.
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People are always saying that art is fashion, fashion is art and vice versa these days. How far do you agree with this?
Lidia: I feel that both borrow from each other more and more. I like when fashion is art. When it’s not trendy and it leans towards the immortality of garments and one’s style.
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How do you feel about this collaboration with us?
Lidia: I’m very honored that you asked me. Your website and articles are a great resource for the couture enthusiast and I am glad to have been a part of Couture Trooper’s store of featured artists.
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What can we look forward to see in the coming months?
Lidia: The great thing about fashion is that every season there is always new material. I haven’t even started the Resort collection yet! I’m also very into beauty products, textiles, and footwear. I’m currently doing some highly analytical drawings. I might play with more painterly as well. Whatever fits the subject best.
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We are extremely honoured to have done this collaboration with her, and are stoked to see what’s next from her!
Illustrations courtesy of Lidia Luna
Check out more of her beautiful illustrations at her website!
COUTURE TROOPERS MAGAZINE 