As most Londoners started to wrap up 2014, slowly grinding the cogs to a halt, the students at University of the Arts London, were propelled by an exciting opportunity, feverish to find fresh inspiration…
@gt_illustrates_london @beth_straw
In the midst of Christmas festivities the students at UAL and participating colleges – namely, undergraduates from Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication and London College of Fashion – were briefed by the V&A on a project to celebrate the homecoming of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition to the V&A, London.
The creative brief was simple:
To produce an illustration inspired by an Alexander McQueen collection, moment or a specific outfit.
With an element of competition of course! A selection of winning drawings would be reproduced as prints, to be sold exclusively in the V&A Shop in-store and online, as part of the wider Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition product range.
Full of creative ambition, over the Christmas break the students scrabbled together pens, pencils and paint brushes. Researching textures and ideas, and then experimenting with watercolours, ink, crayon, oil paint, collage and glitter to create their masterpieces.
@mrscmillo @camieleanore
@karies_art @platinum_andpeaches
The judging panel waited in anticipation as submissions began to flood in:
Claire Wilcox, Curator of Savage Beauty exhibition at the V&A and Professor in Fashion Curation, London College of Fashion, UAL.
Alexander McQueen Design and Art Direction Team
Sarah Sevier, V&A Director of Brand Development and Buying
Annabelle Dodds, Buyer for V&A Shop
#SavageBeautyIllustrated was the competition hashtag accompanying the campaign on social media. We asked the students to get involved by uploading images to Instagram of their work in progress and inspiration in relation to Alexander McQueen.
@joaoelias85 @platinum_andpeaches
We were overwhelmed by the array of talent and exquisite detail that we saw in these beautiful uploads. Engaging with the students on Instagram and seeing their creative passion felt like a true celebration of the V&A and UAL’s joint mission to inspire excellence in design and drive and excite the next wave of designers, artists and illustrators.
@gt_illustrates_london @danieladoe
@holly.f @storyofalexx
@louisesarahbraybrook @joaoelias85
So, all that’s left to say for now is a huge thank you to all students who participated and very good luck! We will be in touch soon.
