Tony Viramontes - Fashion Illustrations

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Tony Viramontes was an Latin American artistic creator, renown for being one of the leading fashion illustrators during the 1970s and 80s. His work has been seen in Vouge Italia and Marie Claire, plus has worked alongside famed fashion icons such as Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino.

During the 1980’s, fashion magazines were dominated by photography. Fashion illustrators were associated with depicting classic glamour and elegance over highlighting contemporary trends. Artists like Erté and René Bouché were prime examples what many thought fashion illustration was ‘supposed to look like’.

Viramontes went against the grain in this regard; His fashion illustrations focused on current trends, and he frequently experimented with an androgynous style that had barely hit the mainstream fashion world. Angular, jagged lines and pops of loud colours were also dominant in his work, frequently using watercolours and pencils to translate his ideas onto paper. His models were drawn to appear strong and confident, usually carrying expressions of anger or disgust to convey snobbish and aloof characters. This contrasted the demure or natural looks expected from traditional fashion sketches.

I illustrate female characters in a similar vein, therefore appreciate his subverted approach to femininity. Angular faces and more pointed, prominent features are not associated with traditional female beauty standards; however, I find soft, traditionally feminine features cliché and dull. I assume this is why I am drawn to his work, especially when he inserts more masculine features onto his feminine models (such as broad shoulders or big hands). I think his androgynous stylistic choices could influence my fashion illustrations, especially when sketching the models.

I’m also inspired how slight pops of colour transform Viramontes’ illustrations. As someone who frequently uses a monochromatic colour pallete, I’m interested to see how taking inspiration from his use of colour could impact my own work.

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