Just lately, I've hooked up with some truly incredible Artists via the 'Miss Kiki Salon Presents…' project (a collaborative concept designed to celebrate and promote the work of
emerging artists, photographers, illustrators and designers in a way that is fair to them).
One of the collaborators in this exciting new project is Mark Karl Hughes. Mark is a designer, illustrator, Consultant and Teacher in Fashion Design. I just love to collect fashion illustrations, and I fell in love with the art-work that forms Mark's 'A Century of Fashion' collection as soon as I clasped eyes on it…
All Imagery Copyright (c) 2010 Mark Karl Hughes (click to enlarge)
Mark Karl Hughes was born May 1973 (named after Karl Marx) and began drawing at a very early age…
"I have always drawn ~ my Dad taught me to draw when I was 3 and all that has really changed since, has been the subject matter!"
Fashion was to become an early obsession too and after completing a Foundation Course in Fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University (where his Mentor was Mo Smith, who also taught Chris Baily, of Burberry), Mark was accepted onto a BA Hons Fashion Course in 1996, at Central St Martins – where he was to later gain an MA in Fashion.
A Century in Fashion is a collection of illustrations that represent the iconic fashions of the times; I love how the 1910 and 1911 illustrations capture the feeling of opulence that presided in the wardrobes of women back then. The 1914 image seems to almost set the stage for the more radical fashions that were to emerge later on in the 'roaring '20s'…
And emerge they did; it was a period when women felt liberated for the first time, having gained the vote. Their rebellion against their repressors was reflected in their attire ~ note the raised hemlines and sleeveless frocks. The Flapper Era was all about women dressing how they truly wanted to dress…
Having explained to Mark that I had a bit of a thing for the glamour and style of the 1930's – he produced the following illustrations, aren't they fabulous? The first one reminds me of my wedding dress…
Mark is currently busy developing a collection of bias cut dresses, for the 'Miss Kiki Salon Presents…' project, as well as further developing his "A Century of Fashion 1900-2000" collection.
This talented designer is available for private commissions too ~ prices start at £80. Email Mark directly for further information.
♥
Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
