In this week's blog post, Costume Society Ambassador Vidita Gupta reviews the exhibition Théâtre de la Mode, recently on display at Gray M.C.A, which displayed the works of the renowned fashion illustrator David Downton.
Gray M.C.A recently opened their doors to the exhibition Théâtre de la Mode, exploring the theatrics of fashion and observing the majesties of couture through a series of charcoal illustrations by David Downton.
David Downton is a celebrated fashion artist who for the past 25 years has been uniquely invited to draw the Paris haute couture shows. His work is regularly featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, The Financial Times, The Sunday Times and The Telegraph. Downton’s masterpieces reflect his expertise in combining fashion and fine portraiture and as a result, he has been invited to paint some of the most famous and beautiful icons such as Cate Blanchett, Dita von Teese, Iman, Catherine Deneuve, Rachel Weisz, Paloma Picasso and many more.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Downton is the editor for Airmail magazine and continues to contribute to written content and illustrations, influencing fashion, art, literature and editorial work. He is also the author of bestselling books “Masters of Fashion Illustration”, “Portraits of the World’s Most Stylish Women”, and “Drawing Carmen”, all showcasing his multifaceted talent. Many of Donwton’s works form parts of permanent collections the V&A, London Palais Galliera Musée de la Mode, Paris and The Frances Neady Collection of Original Fashion Illustration, New York.
With a marvellous display of illustrations by David Downton, Gray M.C.A at Cromwell Place has brought to life the dynamism of fashion as seen from Downton’s perspective. Although best known for ink and watercolours, this exhibition displays 20 charcoal illustrations depicting haute couture from YSL, Dior, Schiaparelli and Givenchy through the eyes of Downton.
David Downton on his exhibition: “This exhibition, my most personal to date, marks 25 years of recording the Paris couture shows- the theatre of fashion. A celebratory look back, a leap forward, a turn of the kaleidoscope. Paul Klee said that a drawing was ‘simply a line gone for a walk’. A fashion drawing is an invitation to the dance”
Downton has expertly infused each piece with a sense of sartorial, creating representations of living, breathing embodiments of style. Thus, each stroke and shadow conveys the dance between the brush and the runway, weaving a narrative of the timeless elegance of the world and the art of haute couture. His signature style of creating perfectly undone illustrations capturing the fierce features and expressions of models is instantly recognisable throughout the exhibition. The fluidity and dynamism of each line reflect the essence of movement, be it in fabric, postures or the overall energy of the scene.
Further, the dominant charcoal palette is incredible at highlighting the details and the depth of form that draws the viewer’s focus to specific areas. This minimalistic medium also lends to Downton’s expression of drawing what he sees; capturing the mood and personality of the models, encapsulating fashion through material culture and attitudes. Overall, Downton’s works highlight the beauty and allure of haute couture, emphasising the relationship between clothing, movement and personality.
In essence, David Downton’s exhibition is reflective of his exuberant experience. This exhibition captures his influence and artistic vision for fashion a style, which have led to illustrations that are as refined and luxurious as their subjects.
Théâtre de la Mode runs at Cromwell Place from 15th to 26th November 2023 with a special event with David Downton, highlighting his adventures as a fashion artist, on 23rd November 2023 at 7pm.
Vidita recently visited the V&A's exhibition DIVA; read her review here.
