Richard Haines at DANIEL COONEY/FINE ART

Today is all about a gentleman who has elevated the art of fashion illustration and taken it out of the sequestered design rooms of fashion and brought this art form to the public via GQ and The NY Times, Prada, Barneys, Mr. Porter, Dries Van Noten and many more avenues.  Richard Haines is a ubiquitous presence at men’s fashion shows and events all over the world.   As he was once described as “the cool dude with the sketch pad” but this writer would prefer to call him a visual diarist who has chronicled the world of fashion as well as everyday fashion folks through his body of work. 

This week begins a 6 week show of Mr. Haines’ work at DANIEL COONEY/FINE ART gallery in West Chelsea. What more evidence does one need than this to clarify the eternal conundrum of whether or not fashion is art and can art can make fashion its focus.

Below is a redacted interview that I conducted with the illustrious Richard Haines some time ago and yes, the pun is intended.  A little insight into the artist and the man in his own words:

Jeffrey Felner: What is the most treasured possession in your wardrobe?

Richard Haines: I don't approach clothes that way. I treasure art that my daughter did when she was 5 or 6, and a lovely drawing a dear friend left me, but clothes, not so much. 

JF: What is your most sterling trait?

RH: Hmmm, well, I’d have to say my humor. It gets me through a lot, and people seem to enjoy it. I would have said drawing, but that's not really a trait, is it?

JF: What’s your advice to the “newcomer?”

RH: Practice some humility, and life is not like reality TV...

JF: Who is your favorite designer?

RH: That’s like asking for a favorite artist… it's impossible. I love Prada and miu miu-i was in the stores in Milan and was just blown away by the level of execution and vision. I have so much admiration for Marc Jacobs and his creative stamina, and there's Dries,  Lanvin, and Comme  des  Garcons...it goes on. 

JF: In 3 words or less, describe the current state of fashion.

RH: vibrant, chaotic, democratic

www.designerman-whatisawtoday.blogspot.com

DANIEL COONEY

26 WEST 26 STREET Ste. 9C

Fashion as Art... The Illustrators

This series of posts can only be described as a runaway train!  The enthusiasm of these artists/illustrators coupled with their respective bodies of work have forced me to extend the topic beyond a single posting.  My aim is to educate, enlighten and excite the reader.  Every reader should be keenly aware of all of these talents and what they offer when it comes to fashion landscape.  Each day another approach will be taken in order to offer the broadest of views with regard to what we commoners refer to so simply as “fashion illustration.”  I am very excited about the series as well as flattered and awed by the overwhelming acceptance and grace that was offered during the “collecting” process.

Having grown up in a time when newspapers were in black and white and most fashion advertising in them was done via illustration rather than photo, illustrators have always captured my imagination.  It is of constant amazement and I stand in awe of those who are so ably and abundantly talented to convey a particular vision of fashion by using one’s signature technique and talents.

This feeling, combined with just having read and reviewed Tony Glenville’s marvelous volume on fashion illustration, spurred or reignited my interest in the subject.  Mr. Glenville was kind enough to contribute a quote for this article which pretty must speaks for itself and everyone who appreciates the art form...

I guess the thing is.....How wonderful to see a craft which was written off by many, in the 60's and 70's especially, now enjoying a renaissance. The joy of seeing classic and modern techniques; often combined, an extraordinary range of styles and attitudes demonstrating the magic of line and shadow in fashion illustration in the 21st century. Fashion Illustration still has the ability to enchant and delight.

With this in mind,  it occurred to me that there are so many wildly talented people out there who may not have not have been given  proper recognition or who might be “working” yet remain unknown to so many and so I have culled my “friendships” and come up with a glittering  roster of talent for your viewing pleasure.  The common thread I employed here is how these artists see icons, luminaries or legends of fashion.

Every one of these brilliantly talented artists can be found on their respective websites and every one of them can accomplish the impossible utilizing their well-honed skills of illustration.  The employed mediums are varied and the overall final products are stunning and arresting in their own individual ways.

I have also taken the liberty of pointing out some of the greatest and legendary of illustrators who have either left us their legacies or have moved on to other creative endeavors or mediums.  Each one of them had a recognizable signature and technique that revolutionized the world of fashion and advertising.

This article will be presented in several segments as so many of these prolific artists have offered me their archive and I would be foolish not to share it with everyone; stay tuned for the next couple of days and hopefully  I can open you’re your eyes to the talented artists and their talents!

Contributors include: Marc Antoine Coulon, Mel Odom, Richard Haines, Dan Romer, Joel Woodard, Mitja Bokum, Chuck Nitzberg, Marco Santaniello, Tim Otte, Gladys Perint Palmer, Maurizio Andreuccetti,  Paul B. Elsen, Sue Tait Porcaro, Glen Hanson, Jaff Noel Seijas, Leland Neff, George Stavrinos, Rene Gruau, Antonio Lopez, Michael Vollbracht, Mats Gustafson, Kenneth Paul Block, Joe Eula, J.C. Leyendecker, Tony Viramontes and Barbara Pearlman.

***** New Icons of Fashion Illustration by Tony Glenville.. April 2013

WHY DON'T YOU .. 2012 edition

In honor of still one more book being published this week based on the illustrious life and career of Diana Vreeland, I dedicate this week’s series to her and her spirit.  The book’s title is Empress of Fashion: A Life of Fashion authored by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart.  So, this author’s version will be dedicated to a large number of those who are my INTERNATIONAL “friends” on Facebook; the ones who carry on in the tradition of great style and fashion and offer the most original and superior goods and services imaginable.  So, this week will be all about... WHY DON’T YOU?

Verdura… WHY DON’T YOU  buy the famous “Greta Garbo” linked bracelet for your significant other or maybe the nuts and bolts cuff links in gold?( http://www.verdura.com/ ) maybe a vintage piece of Belperron?

Ragamont… WHY DON’T YOU arrange for a picturesque luxurious and epicurean winter getaway without having to travel to Gstaad or make your next dinner party a sleepover with all your nearest and dearest  and let Pete Hathaway make all the arrangements ?(http://www.ragamont.com/ ) 

Mark Powell … WHY DON’T YOU  give your significant other a plane ticket to London, book a suite at Claridges and arrange  for the bespoke services of one of London’s most famous Savile Row tailors? (http://www.markpowellbespoke.co.uk/ ) and then arrive hours later as a surprise.

Fromental … WHY DON’T YOU commission a mural of your ancestral digs for your dining room or of your favorite Orientalia for wall coverings in any room? (http://www.fromental.co.uk/ )

Talon Rouge … WHY DON’T YOU  take that ratty old Birkin,  make it like new again or refurbish your old JM Weston’s and you can do it by Fed ex or travel off to Paris for a weekend of rejuvenation and stay at the Meurice and use the Valmont Spa every day?  (http://talonrouge-pierrepaul.blogspot.com/ )

Richard Haines WHY DON’T YOU commission a portrait of your other half by one of the world’s greatest and most renowned illustrators?  Miuccia loves him! (http://designerman-whatisawtoday.blogspot.com/ or (haines.richard@gmail.com)

Mark Belford … WHY DON’T YOU arrange for a HAUTE Couture gown which will make you a frequent flyer to Toronto and arrange for a standing reservation for your room at the Hazelton? (http://www.markbelford.com/ ) ask Princess Charlene what she thinks…

Miracle Icons … WHY DON’T YOU truly get into the “spirit” of the season with “sainted” bracelets for all of your loved ones? (http://www.miracleicons.com/ ) Bruce Springsteen and Colin Farrell don’t leave home without theirs.

Creel & Gow … WHY DON’T YOU shop here and find the most original of gifts for the person who has everything? (http://www.creelandgow.com/) perhaps a lobster en tremblant!

M. de Phocas … WHY DON’T YOU lavish your man with the gift of fine bespoke jewelry? Or maybe the designers can be convinced to make matching earrings for you! (http://www.mdephocas.com/ )