Society of Illustrators

Any fan of fashion, art, or history can appreciate The Line of Fashion, works by Legendary Illustrators - From the moment you walk into The Society of Illustrators you are captivated by the timeline of fashion that is presented all around the multi-storied breathtaking space located on East 63rd Street.

The Line of Fashion, features recently displayed works from the Leslie-Lohman Gay Art Foundation and various permanent pieces from the Society. Tribute is paid to past and present fashion artists such as Kenneth Paul Block, René Bouché, Antonio Lopez, Joe Eula, Mel Odom, Reuben Toledo and other highly esteemed fashion illustrators.

Curator, Robert W. Richards has high hopes for fashion illustration’s steady comeback as an authentic means of capturing life as it is. “While photography is a productive and convenient way of documenting life, one may question the validity of these images considering the technology available to edit an authentic scene into an idealistic moment.”

These moments are captured in such illustrations as a charcoal of Halston fitting legendary screen actress Lauren Bacall- with such simplicity and power the illustration exemplifies the essence of the experience between designer and actress.

Anelle Miller, director of the Society, has a long-time personal connection to some of the fashion illustrators, going back to her studies as a student at Parsons. She studied fashion illustration under the instruction of Steven Stipelman while Antonio Lopez was a relevant inspiration to her work. For Anelle Miller this exhibition proves how experiences can go full-circle… from studying with Stipelman to toasting champagne together at Friday evening’sreception.

The Society of Illustrators remains in the same carriage house dating back to 1939. The history behind the Society is a testimony to the art of illustration. Attending this show was like I had been introduced to a treasure chest of gold; the illustrations were both inspirational and truly original works of art.

The collection will be on exhibit through May 2nd, 2009. Get in while you can- a presentation similar to this has not been attempted since the early 80’s.

 -Elizabeth Lechleiter & Meredith Garcia