Margherita Missoni illustration by Lisa Nishimura for Whatever Eurotrash.

If there’s any brand that embodies the effortless chic of being Eurotrash, it’s Missoni. There’s something so patently European about the colour zigzags that catch the discerning eye from miles away. As a sort of homage to the brand, Eurotrash shares a series of illustrations, articles and photographs that should sorta make you fall in love at first sight, or for some of us, all over again.

Part of the celebrations include a series of illustrations by Toronto-based illustrator, Lisa Nishimura. Such a shy girl to talk to at first, but her art speaks volumes about the caliber of artist you’re dealing with. I asked her a few questions about her work and her ambitions as she coloured away these gorgeous illustrations of Margherita Missoni. Having her pieces here on the blog is so super exciting for me!

Lisa Nishimura illustration of Margherita Missoni for Whatever Eurotrash

Eurotrash (ET): How integral is fashion illustration to the process of creating a fashion collection and/or piece?
Lisa Nishimura (LN): I think fashion illustration is integral to any piece as it’s the
starting point to the creative process.

(ET): Do you feel that fashion illustration is underrated in Toronto?
(LN): Fashion illustration as an art form is underrated in the industry as a
whole I find. I think there are only a handful of really talented
fashion illustrators who are successful and can make a living solely
in this field.

Lisa Nishimura x a la mode Christmas postcard inspired by Burberry Prorsum FW 2011.

(ET): For you, what does being “inventive” mean when approaching your drawings? (I’m thinking of how you paired the little red riding hood theme to the burberry collection etc)
(LN): I don’t often get the chance (or have the time) to be inventive with
my drawings as I only do them part-time. With the postcard, I did have
a bit more time to come up with an idea to incorporate the fashion
into. I think it makes the illustrations more compelling when there is
a backstory or situation even though the clothing is a masterpiece
itself. I also try not to interpret too much with the fashion to stay
true to the designer’s creation.

(ET): Is fashion illustration the future? Or at least, will it become just as important as photography (appearing alongside photographic ads in magazines)
(LN): Hopefully it is the future. It feels sort of precious right now as
it’s not that prevalent in fashion magazines.

(ET): What would you love to illustrate, if you could pick anything/anyone?
(LN): I would love the chance to draw at some fashion shows at NYFW as the
models come down the runway. I think that would be an awesome
experience!

For more info about Lisa’s work please visit her website sketchandpixel.wordpress.com!

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