Fashion Illustrations with Kristine + A Giveaway

Figure 1        Gucci Girls        J.Crew FW16

Good morning, lovelies!  I'm so excited for today's post because I'm collaborating with a talented, wonderful friend of mine from high school!

Technically, Kristine and I went to school together since second grade.  We always had mutual friends but truly became buddies during middle school and high school.  Some of my favorite memories with her involve board games with our friend Justine, seeing some of her clothing designs on the runway in Detroit, and our unique fifth-year French experience (but you'll read more about that later).

Kristine has always been a talented artist (I remember watching her doodle during class) with a passion for the fashion industry.  Recently she's really found her niche in fashion illustration!  Today I get to share with you some of her super cool illustrations (like the ones above) as well as a little interview with Kristine.  We are also hosting a fun giveaway and Kristine is offering a special discount for Whitney à la mode readers.  Keep reading for the details!

Interview with Kristine Steiner, Fashion Illustrator:

Describe the educational and career path that lead you to your current role as a fashion illustrator.

I've been drawing since I could pick up a pencil. I used to spend hours and hours drawing in my room when I was a kid. Eventually I decided I wanted to do something in fashion. So I attended The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago and earned a BA in Fashion Design. I went on to earn my MA in Fashion Design & Merchandising from Wayne State University in Detroit. After finishing grad school I stayed in Detroit working full-time as a merchandising manager for a women's clothing retailer and doing freelance custom dresses on the side. I relocated to Chicago in 2013 and continued as a visual merchandiser. About a year ago I started sharing some of my fashion sketches on Instagram and got an immediate response. Custom orders started coming in and I was even invited to live sketch at an event for Glossed & Found earlier this year. From there things really picked up in Chicago and now I illustrate full-time!

What is your biggest or favorite source of inspiration?

I still love clicking through the runway shows on Vogue Runway and sketching my favorite looks.

Describe the process of creating one of your sketches.

My sketches always start out in light pencil so I can work through the proportions and the pose. My drawing style is pretty loose and gestural so I like to go over the pencil quickly in marker. I usually add layers and layers of color to create depth and shadows. To finish, I go over the marker in micron or a brush pen to add outlines and details.

What is your favorite Spring 2016 trend?

I love the super feminine looks for Spring. Floral prints, pleated skirts and bow details are my favorite things to sketch at the moment.

How would you define your own personal style?

I'm actually pretty minimal and usually wear all black. My go-to pieces are skinny jeans, a silk blouse and tailored jacket. 

What is your favorite memory of time spent with Whitney?

One of my favorite memories is from when we were seniors in high school! We were the only two taking AP French that year and we sat out in the hallway each day trying to decipher French Literature while underclassmen stepped over us to get to their lockers during lunch. 

Kristine has previously worked with Neiman Marcus, David Yurman, Modern Luxury and Fromm Beauty.

And check-out this adorable illustration that Kristine generously created for me based on this look!

Isn't she amazing?!  And it's your lucky day. As I mentioned above, Kristine and I are hosting a giveaway for your very own custom sketch!  The winner will receive a free 5x7 single figure of her choice.  This would be a perfect little something to treat yo' self or would make a great Mother's Day gift.

Check-out the Rafflecopter below for your chances to win.  Keep in mind that entries will be verified!

Kristine is also offering a discount for those interested in purchasing a sketch!  All you need to do is post a look from Whitney à la mode on Instagram with #giveaway and tag @whitneyalamode and @kyjsteiner.  From there, e-mail kyjsteiner@gmail.com by April 29th to receive 25% off a custom 8x10 or 9x12 sketch ($90 for a $120 value)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where I'm linking-up!