Fashion Illustrator 8- Antonio Lopez

Antonio Lopez  44(1943-1987), is a fashion illustrator born in Utuado, Puerto Rico. He studied at High School of Art and Design and being influenced by his parent, mom; a dressmaker and dad; a mannequin sculptor, he then studied at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York to pursue arts in fashion. 

He was under Women’s Wear Daily for internship and soon dropped out of school after securing a job in WWD. He also worked in The New York Times in 1963, Vogue, MAC, Elle, Interview and Harper’s Bazaar, also collaborated with Juan Eugene Ramos, Karl Lagerfeld and Charles James.

His style of drawing was of the edgy swinging sixties imagery, more of a New Yorker style. He also combined photography in his drawings. He uses pencil/crayon charcols, markers, and overlay film (acetate sheets). He also draws the models in a lively, fun, energetic way. "What one recognized in his illustrations was, in the end, more than just a dress," said photographer Peter Knapp, with whom Lopez worked. "It was a state of mind." He even influenced designers with their collections as he draws the clothes with the model just standing beside it, he will make amendments to it and designers will change their clothes to look like what Antonio portrays it in his painting.

He does not only paint but he also discovered famous models like Jerry Hall, Grace Jones and Jesica Lange. He also made Carole LaBrie to be the first African American on the cover of Italian Vogue. He also helped Andy Warhol in her break through.

WHAT HAVE I LEARNT:

I’ve learnt that fashion illustrations and fashion designs are connected. The models are also very important to portray the look of the garments. He also uses a very tight academic approach in his drawings.

Credits:

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/reviews/antonio-lopez-art-and-photography#slide-3
http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/stylenotes/082812_Antonio_Lopez/