Compiled by Tapiwa Matsinde and featuring commentary and research from illustrator Zakirah Rabaney, Fashion Illustration Africa: A New Generation features the work of 23 illustrators from Africa and the Diaspora.
“Fashion illustration as a commercial industry in Africa is virtually non-existent, Matsinde tells Akatasia. “So from the outset we chose to have a mix of well-known and emerging fashion illustrators to give as true a reflection as we could of fashion illustration in relation to the continent as well as the global industry. First and foremost selection was based on the quality of the work produced. We sought out illustrators who showed promise and dedication to improving and refining their craft and those who were working to spread awareness of the discipline in their respective countries or communities. We also looked for differing styles and techniques to represent the different expressions of fashion illustration – such as traditional pen and ink, to more modern methods of digital design and experimental ones such as collage – looking for those illustrators who experimented with the tools they have to hand. We ended up with an exciting group of illustrators who believed in and embraced the vision for Fashion Illustration Africa.”
Fashion Illustration Africa: A New Generation is currently available, in pre-order, for approx $16.80 at Soko Press.