Cute, ethical and original are just three words to describe the launch of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion llustration (or ACOFI for short) held at eco clothing haven 123 Bethnal Green Road on Friday 28th January. Everywhere I looked I was confronted with familiar fashion bloggers pouring over the book and tucking into the delicious Pukka teas and Lily Vanilli cupcakes strewn all over the venue. Amelia’s new book champions not only talented fashion illustrators but a number of up and coming ethical fashion designers. I was lucky enough to talk to the illustrator of the book’s cover, Andrea, who along with many others, was sketching visitors to the party live.
Check out her painting of me sipping away above, as well as her website here: www.artistandrea.co.uk. Andrea hails from Arizona and has been illustrating for over ten years for various publications, including a heavy number of pieces for Amelia’s magazine blog posts.
As well as the party being a fashion lover’s haven, natural skin care experts Dr. Haushka were on hand (literally) to give advice and massage treatments, enhancing the eco vibe that Amelia is so passionate about. The event inspired me to sketch as soon as I left, prompting much disappointment and jealousy as I realised I would never be as good as these guys. Due to the venue being so small and intimate I felt like I had an encounter with everyone there, including Susie Bubble and various other stand out writers. Besides the bespoke launch, the book really is something to treasure, when my copy was sent through the post I had to cancel my diary for several hours just to sit quietly and take in all the talent on every page. This is a compendium definitely worth your attention.
Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration is available from all good book stores as well as www.ameliasmagazine.com