Rosie McGuinness On Drawing The World Of Fashion, Minus The Conceit

The compelling illustrations of London-based artist Rosie McGuinness are populated almost solely by well-dressed women: why? “Maybe it is as simple as being a woman”, she explains, “relating to drawing a woman, admiring women and women’s style.”

The women that she draws are distinctive; they have an attitude of self-awareness and an aura of confidence that is present in their posture, and in their clothes. In this way, McGuinness’ work differs from the norm in fashion illustration—an area traditionally home to more whimsical representations of the female form. “My drawings comparatively seem a little somber in some way”, she muses. “Somberness isn’t intentional, but a steer away from the fanciful is.” Her characters do not strut down runways, nor do they hold model poses. Instead, McGuinness draws figures wearing clothes in a more natural setting, at moments that seem close to real life. Often sitting, the women she depicts seem relaxed, their bodies at ease. “Anything too posed, too fashion, and too conceited is not appealing to me”, she explains.