NYFW: The spring collections were a rainbow! ~ An Illustrated runway report

October 10, 2021

September NYFW was more exclusive than ever. As many designers returned to in person presentations, space was limited and guest lists were kept minimal. The spring shows were sprinkled throughout the city at various and unexpected locations instead of the usual show venues. Designers set their stages in parks and rooftops around Manhattan, one of the most unique venue choices being Chelsea Pier’s outdoor skate park.

The Spring collections were a rainbow of fluttering fabrics, elevated textures, and bold and layered silhouettes. The creative locations and vivacious collections mirrored the vibe of a city waking up after a long slumber.

I chose 8 of my favorite colored looks from the runway and turned them into illustrations. Check them out below!

Blue & Lemon Yellow - Leanne Marshall

Leanne Marshall showed a beautiful collection of flowing gowns. The light and airy fabrics blossomed down the runway in combination of colors reminiscent of a flower garden.

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2. Mulberry - Leanne Marshall

Tucks, fluting and layering brought volume to the soft, opaque fabrics. Full sleeves had a shawl-like effect, as long hem trains disappeared neatly into defined waists.

3. Olive Green - Ulla Johnson

Ulla Johnson’s SS22 collection stayed true to the brand and was full of asymmetric tiers and ruffles. Sleeves were full and voluminous, and woven skirts fell in layers: a perfect balance of structure and flow.

4. Yellow & Black - Christian Siriano

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The Christian Siriano collection boasted bold solids and strong silhouettes. Models dressed in structured woven suitings walked beside those in sheer lace gowns. Dramatic sleeves and full skirts sparkled in metallics, yellows, and greens.

5. Purple - Chaance

Chaance’s collection put a fresh street spin on performance wear. Abstract prints, denims, and loose fitting silhouettes mixed in with athletic looks. The line included both menswear and womenswear.

6. Orange - The Fifth Season

The Fifth Season’s looks were clean and elegant. The spring collection was laden with beautifully constructed blazers and day dresses to take you from the street to the office.

7. Black - Kaven Liu DIMOR

Kaven Liu DIMOR’s soft dresses shimmered on the runway as the stage lights accented the carefully tailored details on each. Ruching, and precise seaming gave dimension to the light fabrics.

8. Bonus: Menswear FW22 - Khaki & Black - Veuxstanio Vallano

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Veuxstanio Vallano, an Italian menswear label showed their Fall/Winter 22 line during September NYFW. Geometric prints in bold contrast colors danced across puffer coats and oversized scarves. Models walked barefoot in denim with straight, bell, and skinny hems. Leathers and logos emphasized the cool vibe of the line.

Did you have a favorite look or show from SS22? Comment below!

Deanna Kei is a NY Fashion and Beauty Illustrator. She works with brands to create unique and engaging content featuring their products and collections. She also sketches at live fashion and private events and activations. To commission illustrations for your brand please write to deannakei@gmail.com

GUCCI Beauty takes the floor during the Nordstrom NY Anniversary sale

August 10, 2021

Gucci turned heads as they celebrated the launch of their brand new beauty counter in Nordstrom’s New York flagship store. The 3 day beauty activation took place on August 4th, 5th and 6th during the famed Nordstrom Anniversary sale.

All through the event every Gucci client who made a purchase had themself turned into a fun fashion illustration by Fashion Illustrator, Deanna Kei. With the gorgeous new beauty counter located in the center of the selling floor adjacent to the elevators, Gucci was perfectly positioned to draw a crowd. Many passing shoppers stopped to watch the illustrator and learn about the event. The artist was happy to explain the promotion and guide them to the Gucci counter on either side of her station, where they were met by the Gucci beauty specialists. Some new beauty clients were already fans of the brand. Others who stopped by to check out the event shared that they were shopping around for gifts when the sketches caught their eye. One woman who asked the illustrator “oh, does Gucci carry anything for men?” later left happily with a fragrance purchase and a sketch of herself. Another passing group who gathered around the illustration table expressed that they didn’t know Gucci had a beauty line and were excited to check out the counter. A family who came over to watch the artist also later left with a bag full of Gucci and their matching sketches.

By day 3 of the event, the entire Nordstrom store was buzzing about the brand. Employees from other floors had come by to shop Gucci and get sketched too after seeing others carrying their sketches through the store. One even brought their client from another brand to make a Gucci purchase. Nordstrom covered the event on the Nordstrom New York instagram page, and social media was buzzing all week as shoppers shared their Gucci sketches in insta stories.

The Gucci Illustration activation was such a creative way to get people excited and talking about the new counter, and to foster a feeling of connection between Gucci and its fans. Long time clients were able to experience the brand in a new way, and first time shoppers will undoubtedly fall in love with their new purchases and become lifelong Gucci clients!

Below are some photos from the 3 day event!

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations, and also works with brands to create unique and engaging content featuring their products. She’s available to book for both live and virtual events. *To commission illustrations for your brand contact deannakei@gmail.com