Anyone who spends a great deal of time keeping their eye on the fashion industry has without a doubt marveled at Megan Hess's artistic work. Her upcoming book Elegance: The Beauty of Fashion (which is now 16% off from its original $25 price) will be lining bookshelves on October 15th, courtesy of Hardie Grant Publishing. Back in 2008, Hess found herself in the enviable position as the illustrator for Candace Bushnell's Sex in the City series of novels. Since then, she has worked with a wide variety of renowned clientele including Michelle Obama, Cartier, Montblanc, Tiffany & Co., Yves Saint Laurent and more. Much of her work with the aforementioned brands can be found inside the pages of her newest collection of illustrations both current and archival.
Check out a number of excerpts from Elegance: The Beauty of Fashion below:
______________________________________________________________________
Chanel
“[Coco] Chanel brought straight lines to the forefront of fashion at a time when over-the-top froufrou looks reigned. She transformed black — a color typically worn during periods of mourning — into a covetable wardrobe staple with
Dior
“[Christian] Dior was a pioneer of post–World War II fashion, masterminding a new style of opulent and extravagant dressing … Dior’s New Look was defined by tailored gowns with cinched waistlines and full skirts — some using meters and meters of voluminous tulle.”
Saint Laurent
“[Yves] Saint Laurent’s signature looks include the revolutionary ‘Le Smoking’ suit: one of the first tuxedo jackets specifically designed for women.”
Lanvin
Givenchy
“[Hubert de] Givenchy designed collections with [Audrey] Hepburn at the forefront. He created modern and chic clothes that women like her — or women who aspired to be like her — enjoyed wearing, including everything from evening gowns to casual Capri pants with oversize white men’s shirts.”
Chloé
“[Gaby] Aghion distinguished herself with her signature carefree and stripped-back elegance and was the pioneer of informal formalwear.”
Balmain
“[Olivier] Rousteing has cemented the label’s strong look of structured and embellished decadence. He effortlessly brings together opposing forces with a mix of sharp, tailored, almost tough military-like silhouettes and delicate details, including fine beading and studded work.”
Louis Vuitton
“[Marc] Jacobs led the brand from iconic luggage to coveted wardrobe must-haves, taking inspiration from the company’s travel heritage. He designed luxury pieces that could be stowed away in your Louis Vuitton bag and taken on vacation: The look was fun and stylish, whimsical and edgy.”
Hermès
“The Hermès style to me is embodied in riding pants and boots with tailored blazers, and of course silk scarves and one of their iconic leather handbags …I love that the spirit of the stables still lives on at Hermès today, nearly two centuries since the house’s origin.”
Celine
“[Céline] Vipiana’s
Information originally sourced from The Cut.
