12 Fierce Female Fashion Illustrators You Need to Follow

Naomi van der Velde
May 25, 2015

While the glitz and glam of the fashion world are usually limited to the designers, celebrities and models who strut in fashion weeks around the world, illustrators are making their way into the spotlight. These talented ladies share their creative prowess on social media for their admirers to enjoy, and are garnering impressive followings as a result. Find inspiration in the unique sketches, thriving colors and detailed doodles of these 12 incredible fashion illustrators.

1. Garance Doré: No fashion illustration list should ever start without the one and only. Hailing from Corsica, France, Doré’s beautiful work has been featured in GQ, Vogue, French Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. She arguably paved the way for all fashion illustrators and bloggers to make their way online, and has one of the most popular blogs on the Internet. She also has launched a YouTube series, is a regular columnist for VogueParis and has her own collection of stationery and greeting cards — talk about #girlboss material!

2. Nicholle Kobi: Also known as Niki’s Groove, this Parisian illustrator dreams of owning her own studio to promote black artists and female art. She works in both traditional and digital mediums and is unafraid of taking risks. Her artwork is fun, a little outrageous, colorful and filled with afros.

3. Lena Ker: Lena Ker began her career in fashion as a stylist, but then she discovered her passion for drawing. With nothing more than a few strokes of a ball-point pen, she creates sophisticated high-fashion models out of thin air. Suave and domineering, these ladies jump out at you from the pages of publications like Vogue Russia and GQ.

4. Markers and Microns: With a catchy blog name and even catchier illustration style, Walton uses line in a bold and eclectic way. Strong, vibrant and boundary-defying, her sketches stand out from the crowd by using markers in defining slashes of color, giving her models an edge and uniqueness that you’ll love.

5. Sarah Hankinson: With A-player clients including Harper’s Bazaar and Maybelline, Sarah Hankinson is an illustrator to be reckoned with. Her delicate and intricate line work paired with soft splashes of color perfectly captures the pulse of modern style.

6. When I’m an Old Man: Don’t be fooled by this blog name — Michelle Yu is not actually an old man. She’s an illustrator, travel and fashion writer and just an “old man” at heart. Yu is both entertaining in her writing and a beautiful creator of everything from portraits to high-fashion magazine covers.

7. Lovisa Oliv: After studying fashion design and illustration in the likes of Florence, Italy and New York City, Oliv is masterful with her watercolors. This illustrator perfectly expresses the beauty, grace and ethereal nature of fashion through vibrant paints. Her chic silhouettes exude style and confidence.

8. Fifi Lapin: This furry fashion icon is a spoiled-rotten rabbit and in-demand blogger who knows her couture from her carrots. With thousands of fans, style tips and interviews with top designers like Anna Sui and Paul Smith, no-bunny can deny her popularity.

9. Samantha Hahn: Hahn clearly stands out from the crowd. An international illustrator extraordinaire, she has exhibited her eye-catching pieces everywhere from New York to Hong Kong. Her clients list includes Marc Jacobs, MAC, Victoria’s Secret and more.

10. Ennji Lw: Steering away from traditional illustration mediums, Ennji prefers working in the digital world. She uses striking colors and abstract splashes of “paint” to portray a vibrant sense of movement in her pieces. The dynamic layers contrast beautifully with the clean-cut lines of her models.

11. Jessica Durrant: You’ve likely already seen Jessica’s work, as she has collaborations with Target, QVC.com and Glamour.com. Her watercolor paintings are elegant and whimsical, framed by bold lines and shocks of color that draw your eyes to the fashionable pieces her models wear.

12. Birdy and Me: Kelly Smith is a talented Australian illustrator who has worked with the likes of Valentino, Armani, H&M, Net-A-Porter and Vogue. Taking inspiration from fashion, film and fairytales, Smith’s work captures her subjects with textured strokes of her pencil, adding fantastic bursts of colorful ink and digital elements for a subtle contrast.

Which illustrators are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below, or by tweeting us at @britandco.

We’re Swooning Over This Artist’s Nature-Inspired Work

Bounty Paper Towels
Brand

We recently partnered with Bounty to support emerging artists and designers in a national design competition. The ask? Design a graphic for a new Brit + Co and Bounty paper towel collection themed A Clean Fresh Start, which launches this month. In this creator spotlight series, we are featuring the winners of that competition to learn more about their inspirations, their design process, and their winning Bounty design. Read on to meet…

Jill Reynolds | Jill OREY Design | @jilloreydesign | Saint Paul, Minnesota

What are your design inspirations? Getting away from my computer. I find inspiration in the outdoors, nature, organic shapes, and patterns, from something as simple as a unique leaf shape to cracks in the pavement. I love looking at textiles old and new and being inspired by vintage motifs. Travel is always an amazing way to see something fresh and feel inspired. My favorite trip has been to Japan – the juxtaposition of old and new is like nowhere else I’ve experienced.

Tell us your design process? I like to play and experiment a lot. I don’t have a hard structure to my work and instead I prefer to let ideas flow and come about with experimentation. I love to use different objects to paint with and create imperfect textures and marks that I’ll piece together. I work with traditional mediums as well as Adobe programs and Procreate. Color is really important to me and I love an unexpected combination.

How did you get into illustration? My career goal when I was 10 was to travel the world to find inspiration for the books I would write and illustrate so from a young age, I knew instinctively that I wanted to create. I’ve always followed what I’m good at and what I enjoy and that has created a career path that has eventually brought me to becoming a full time surface pattern designer. I still strive to illustrate my own series of children’s picture books.

What are three IG accounts you love?

Fantastic Fungi They forage all these amazing mushrooms and discuss the texture and color and other magical properties. With some ASMR thrown in, it’s addictive!

Lucy Tiffany She paints from her imagination on large-scale using beautiful color palettes and bold strokes. I like designers who take risks, create from the heart, and aren’t following trends.

Domino Magazine There are lots of amazing interior accounts out there and Domino has been one of my favorites for aspirational and real-life living spaces.

How do you know when a piece of art, like your winning Bounty Paper Towel design below, is “finished”? I just know. I can’t really put my finger on it but there’s a certain level of balance and being slightly ‘off’ that I find satisfies me.

What will it be like for you to see your design on a Bounty paper towel at your local store? To see my designs in my local store will be such a thrill! I imagine it’s like when a musician hears their music on the radio. A lot of work and moving parts goes into the final product and it’s starts with an idea and some imagination. It’s a huge reward as a creative to see my thoughts become a real tangible product that people can use. I always hope my work at the least spreads some joy and I think we have done that with these new prints!

Be sure to look out for Jill’s winning design wherever Bounty Paper Towels are sold!

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Trader Joe’s Fans Are Gonna Melt Over This “Cheesy” New Tote Bag Design

If you’re a trueTrader Joe’s fan, you probably already carry your pickle tote bag everywhere. And, of course, you can’t forget the frenzy for the-ever stylish Trader Joe’s mini tote bags! TJ’s is here to shake (or, rather, shred) things up with an all-new tote bag design – and it’s super cheesy.

Trader Joe’s

That’s right – Trader Joe’s latest and greatest tote bag design (which you can shop from end caps near the TJ’s checkout lines) features all things cheese! Any charcuterie, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, and pizza lover will immediately fall in love with it.

Eme Estevez / Dupe

The tote is covered in “charmingly cheesy” illustrations of all the varieties of cheese Trader Joe’s has to offer. They’re perfectly colorful and bold, so you’ll adore looking at it every time you make a grocery trip.

Fans are calling the new design "sooo cuteee" and "un-brie-lieveable." One Instagram user even said, "now that’s a tote worth getting if you are cheeseboard obsessed. 🥳🥳🥳"

Jayda Anderson / Dupe

The bag is certifiably heavy duty, made of 100% cotton, and features reinforced seams with two handles long enough to hang comfortably on your shoulder – perfect for you if you walk to your nearest Trader Joe’s instead of driving there! It measures 18.5 by 13.5 inches to carry all the snacks, frozen meals, and beverages your heart desires.

Trader Joe’s

My favorite part of this new TJ’s tote is that it’s also covered in tons of cheese puns, which are quite “pun-gent,” per Trader Joe’s.

The cheese puns in question? “I’m wheel excited to be here. You cheddar believe it. To brie, or not to brie. I am fondue you. Life’s so gouda.” I’m a firm believer that everyone loves a good pun, so this bag is an instant source of entertainment.

Alexy Almond / PEXELS

The new Trader Joe’s cheese tote bags are just $4 each. I’ll definitely be snagging one for myself and a few more to share with the TJ’s lovers in my life!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing Trader Joe's new arrivals!

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Peek Inside This Graphic Artist’s Inspiring Creative Process

Bounty Paper Towels
Brand

We recently partnered with Bounty to support emerging artists and designers in a national design competition. The ask? Design a graphic for a new Brit + Co and Bounty paper towel collection themed A Clean Fresh Start, which launches this month. In this creator spotlight series, we are featuring the winners of that competition to learn more about their inspirations, their design process, and their winning Bounty design. Read on to meet…

Clara Sasiene | Gumption Road Creative Co. | Santa Fe, NM

What are your design inspirations? My design inspirations really come from everywhere: tiles, murals, local business logos or buildings, food (especially dessert), fashion, landscape, etc. I love to travel so anytime I'm in a new place I have a lot of fun looking at things through that design lens. I also love antiquing and have a small collection of print paraphernalia, like old magazines, old ads, vintage matchboxes, plus art and books. I do look for inspiration online too (mostly on Pinterest or Instagram) but try not to rely on that too heavily to keep my work fresh.


Tell us about your design process. I wish my creative process was linear but it rarely is that straightforward. It often depends on the scope of a project, but the first thing I almost always do is make a list of the knowns/requirements. I'm the kind of person who makes lists for my lists so this helps me feel like I've set a baseline or boundaries for a project and can brainstorm from there. Next step is research and inspiration where I usually create a Pinterest board to collect different possibilities and ideas.Branding projects are one of my favorite things to work on. After the research and inspiration phase, I use the brand adjectives to narrow down brand elements like colors and fonts, then look at logo ideas, brand marks, patterns, etc. The key for me is defining brand adjectives and aligning the work with a brand persona or character. That makes it much easier to decide on direction throughout the process by asking, "Does this look/feel/sound like <character/persona>?"

For illustration projects like this one, I finished the inspiration phase and then really just started drawing. I had a good idea of the direction I wanted to go based on the prompt and knew I wanted to stick to my natural design style. In the end, I had 17 different artboards going but felt most passionate about four designs. I kept playing around with my work and ultimately chose the two that felt most like me, that answered the prompt the best, and that I thought would translate to paper towels the best.

Tools and platforms that help me be my most creative self...For me, this spans the digital and physical gamut. It often depends on the project and what direction the client wants to go, but usually I look through my archive of books and old print stuff, at Pinterest, through my saved Instagram collections, and look at brands/creative work that has a similar feel to what I'm trying to create. This really helps me to piece a lot of things together to create something new, unique, and exciting.

As far as specific design tools go, I use Adobe Creative Cloud almost exclusively and work in Procreate when I want to hand-draw something. I'll also look at creative asset websites like Creative Market for direction on a project and general ideas.

How did you get into illustration? I've been a graphic designer for almost 10 years and have never been any good at drawing. I have always been so jealous of that skill in others and wanted so badly to be able to illustrate beautiful things like them. I'm still mostly terrible, but a few years ago I decided to just go for it – I bought an iPad, downloaded Procreate, and started watching tutorial after tutorial. (For some reason that felt easier than traditional pen and paper.)

What are three IG accounts you love? It's so hard to choose just three! Here are my top favorites: @oliviaherrickdesign, @malikafavre, @missmelodymiller, @nationalparkservice, @amauryguichon, and @charlyclements.

How do you know when a piece of art, like your winning Bounty Paper Towel design below, is “finished”? The simple answer is: when there are no more changes I want to make and everything feels harmonious. It's rarely as straightforward as that and often depends on the scope of the project, but most of the time I get to a stopping point where I feel like I could keep going but don't want to overwork it. The thing I have to remember is to not get too caught up in the minutia and sometimes the best thing I can do is just walk away for a while, then come back with fresh eyes, especially when I'm feeling stuck. It's like when you say the same word over and over again and it loses all meaning; after staring at something for so long, it's easy to get lost in the details and overwork the piece. At some point, a piece usually just feels ready and I have to resist the urge to keep picking at it.

What will it be like for you to see your design on a Bounty paper towel at your local store? I think seeing my design on Bounty paper towels at the store will feel like a really great fever dream -- totally surreal and just incredibly exciting. I'm sure I'll be the annoying, squealing with joy, crazy lady who makes all the other shoppers look over and wonder if I've forgotten to take some sort of medication but I won't even care because it will be a moment of pure joy and happiness. Then I'll ask my husband to take dozens of pictures of me next to the paper towels, holding the paper towels, cuddling the paper towels, and people will think I'm even crazier and it will be absolutely wonderful.

Be sure to look out for Clara’s winning design wherever Bounty Paper Towels are sold!

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6 "Overrated" Hair Products I Won't Buy Again In 2025

I've been thinking about how much money I spent on things I didn't love — like overrated beauty finds — and I have a few hair products that met their untimely fate in my garbage. I wanted to love them because of the brand, but some of them were unnecessary based on price or the formula not agreeing with my coils. Regardless, there are a handful of products I definitely wouldn't buy again this year. And while some of them may work for you, here are all the overrated hair products I just cannot recommend.

Scroll to see all the overrated hair products I definitely regret buying.

Sephora

Overrated Prices

1. Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil

This is one of those hair products where the formula actually works well. I loved how silky it felt on my hands and it provided my hair with amazing shine. However, I also receive the same effect from Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend... without dishing out $30.

My hair's not super picky about oils I use, so I personally don't feel like I need to spend a certain amount just because one brand name is more popular than another.

Sephora

2. Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner

I purchased this conditioner and fell in love with how soft it made my hair. All it took was two dime size amounts worked into my strands for my hair to let me know it truly appreciated it. The problem is that it costs $39.00! It was definitely a splurge at the time I bought it, but I can't see myself spending that amount every other month.

My alternative is 4U by Tia Moisturizing Conditioner.

Sephora

Overrated Performance

3. dae Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner

This leave-in conditioner left me wanting more because my hair absolutely hated it. It's meant for all hair types, but it just didn't do anything for mine. Instead of reducing frizz and dryness, my hair actually felt hard after using it. Before you think it was user error, I purposely didn't put anything else on my hair after washing it.

I don't think I need to say it, but my little test resulted in this being tossed in the trash. I'll just stick to my 4U by Tia Curl Refresher Mist Hair Spray if I want an extra boost of hydration and shine.

Amazon

4. Wavytalk Professional Hair Dryer With Diffuser

This is going to be controversial because I've been talking about spending too much money on styling and conditioning products, but I actually prefer the T3 Aire 360 Multi-Styler & Blowout System over this. I have thick natural hair that felt like it was being yanked whenever I used this dryer's comb attachment. I've experienced postpartum hair loss so I'd like to keep as many strands on my head as possible.

Personally, the T3 Aire Multi-Styler & Blowout System cuts my drying time in half while also providing a soothing experience.

Sephora

Overrated Fragrance — Yes, I'm Serious

5. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliation Shampoo

Am I being picky about something like fragrance? Why yes, I am. I'm fully aware that I have allergies and asthma so it doesn't take much for something to trigger an itchy nose or claustrophobic airwaves. Also, at this point I know I probably should just stay away from Briogeo as a whole.

I digress... I tried this shampoo and should've known better than to use something that reminds me of the charcoal face wash I use sometimes. It also smells like it which is a huge turn-off for me. Hard pass on this!

Sephora

6. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume — Floral Edition

I think a part of me liked wasting money last year because this hair perfume gave me the ick last year. I don't even like floral scents so I'm not sure why I decided this purchase would be a great idea. I'm sure someone will love the blend of honey, wild rose, and vanilla, but I did not.

If you tried overrated hair products last year, stop by our storefront to see what I actually recommend using!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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I Rewatched 'Bridgerton' Season 1 & I Have SO Many Thoughts

It was December 2020, right at the height of the COVID pandemic. Everyone was stuck at home in their sweatpants with nothing to do but scroll the never-ending sea of streaming content (or was that just me?). All of a sudden, viewers were swept from their homes to a world of the Regency-era elite. That is, the Shonda Rhimes remix, of course. Since then, everyone, and I mean everyone, has been obsessed with and captivated by the stories of those who walk 19th century Grosvenor Square in London, including myself. It doesn’t feel like it, but Bridgerton has reached its 4 year anniversary, and to celebrate I rewatched the season that started it all.

Here are 13 thoughts I had during my Bridgerton season 1 rewatch while Daphne and the Duke burned for each other.


1. Colin and Anthony have always been the best men on the show.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

The Bridgerton family certainly knows how to raise ‘em. Colin is loyal to a fault and provides unwavering support to his sisters, and Anthony is an all-around genuine man that will go out of his way for anyone he loves. Need I say more?

2. ​Duke Hastings hating his dad is so fair.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

After a second rewatch, I hate the Duke’s dad more. You’re telling me he couldn't care less about his wife in the midst of delivering his child? The man is cold and heartless, and how could you not think so after a second round of viewing when they flashback to little Simon – particularly after gaining a deeper understanding of Simon?

3. Penelope as Lady Whistledown is not so surprising the second time around.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Excuse my ignorance, but I never saw Penelope dropping her secret that she is the Lady Whistledown, at least the first time around. After a second viewing, all the signs were there, and I was shaking my head at my past self.

4. Is this a feminist show?!

Netflix

We’ve got Sarah giving birth and dying to give a man what he wants, and then having a room full of women saddened by the very event, juxtaposed with a shot of the men cheering. After a rewatch, I have to say, the show portrays strong women all while highlighting the inequalities they faced at the time.

I didn’t catch it the first time around,, but the show truly leans on the women to drive the narrative and I never found myself particularly swayed by any one man. It’s refreshing to see how Bridgerton empowers its female characters, allowing them to challenge societal norms and assert their independence, which makes it feel like a modern feminist take on the past. Go Bridgerton!

5. ​I’ve learned quite a lot from Bridgerton.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

While the show may not be entirely accurate, it had me Googling things non-stop the second time around. I’d like to share my learnings: things get pretty spicy in Bridgerton (it’s a show about courtship after all) so I couldn't help but wonder, did women shave their legs in 1813? Well, I looked it up so you don’t have to, and the answer is no! It wasn’t common at all. Boxing, however, was a thing back then. Who knew? Not me. And Queen Charlotte having a Pomeranian? Totally normal, the real Queen Charlotte had many that she absolutely adored.

6. ​Simon is a man for the woman.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

I love Simon, there, I said it! He is so kind and understanding of Daphne and defended her furiously any chance he got, even during the time of their "fake" courtship, proving he’s everything and more for her. After a second rewatch, the flashback scene of his birth, and his mother’s death, destroyed me – it’s that very scene that reveals he’s burdened by childhood trauma. His guilt-stricken face highlights his determination to never become like his father. In the end, Simon’s struggles show a man who strives not to repeat his past – especially with Daphne. Sigh, Simon it was never your fault.

7. ​Simon and Daphne are a slowburn.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

I’ll admit, I thought there was a lack of chemistry between Daphne and Simon the first go around. After my second time watching, their chemistry is impeccable and they compliment each other so well. I’m actually wondering how I ever thought the way I did beforehand?

8. This season perfectly sets up the forthcoming romance between Penelope and Colin.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

The gestures, the flirting, and the little moments the writers gifted us, oh so well done.

9. ​The world build-up is so critical.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

The first season of Bridgerton so beautifully captures the magical ride fans, unbeknownst to them at the time, are about to take in following seasons. We get acquainted with all of the Bridgerton kids, are introduced to the ensuing rivalry between the Featheringtons and Bridgertons, and last but certainly not least, we learn the rigid societal expectations of the 19th century, particularly through Daphne’s experience of finding a suitor. This season is so critical in laying it all out for viewers.

10. ​This is Eloise’s best season.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

I love Eloise, she says what everyone's thinking and isn’t afraid to stick up to men. Amen, sister. Dare I say her banter with her sisters and others carried this season?

11. ​The writing is *chef’s kiss.*

Liam Daniel/Netflix

The romance that gradually develops between Daphne and Simon allows viewers to not only connect with them, but provides a deeper look into the sibling dynamics within the Bridgerton family. The cherry on top of it all is the chaos of everyone and everything else ensuing while a mysterious gossip columnist generates tension throughout the entire season – what’s not to love?

12. ​There is no way no one caught on to Madame Delacroix.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

The fake accent wasn’t fooling me even the first time around, but I guess kudos to her for not being caught by her important clients.

13. ​Jonathan Bailey. That's all.

Nick Briggs/Netflix

Kidding of course, I really do have something to say – After watching the later seasons he looks comparatively and especially young in the first. Maybe it’s because I’ve also watched Wicked (a few times) recently and he looks so much … older? Bailey was a cutie in the first season, and although he was a hard sell in the first two episodes, he sure did grow on me.

What's the wildest thought you had during a Bridgerton season 1 rewatch? Let us know on Facebook, and read up on the Bridgerton season 4 cast before it hits Netflix!

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