The illustrations by Ciara Phelan merge a bit of the past with the present. In her sketches of women, floral garlands and bunches of fruit, Phelan integrates varying sources of inspiration drawn from textile designs with vintage styles.
Images of the female form, whether drawn or pictured, are central to Phelan's work. It is the faces of young girls and older women that often provide the backdrop for petals and the wings of butterflies, making for exceptionally graceful portraits.
Adding to these elements of grace are Phelan's choice of color. The sketches feature light purples, pinks and oranges, playing up on the visual display of effeminate designs. More unusual additions are also present by way of eccentric headdresses and bold fonts.
Vogue Vintage Illustrations
The Ciara Phelan Drawings Mix Textiles with Weathered Wares
Trend Themes
1. Vintage Fashion Illustrations - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in fashion through integrating vintage styles and textile designs in fashion illustrations.
2. Effeminate Designs - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in product design by incorporating light purples, pinks, and oranges as visual displays of effeminate designs.
3. Graceful Portraits - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in portrait photography through incorporating elements of grace present in Ciara Phelan's illustrations.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - Rethink integrating vintage styles with modern designs in the production of clothing to cater towards vintage fashion illustrations.
2. Product Design Industry - Incorporate light purples, pinks, and oranges in product designs, especially with products targeting women as these colors offer a visual display of effeminate designs.
3. Photography Industry - Explore incorporating elements of grace present in Ciara Phelan's illustrations in portrait photography to create more graceful and elegant portraits.