Italian-born, London-based fashion illustrator, Francesco Lo Iacono, has worked with the best of the best. His clients include some of the biggest names in the industry such as Dior, Fendi, and JW Anderson; with his watercolor drawings highlighting the many ways in which clothes can be worn and stylized.
Keen on drawing from an early age, Lo Iacono admits his school books were filled with sketches. But it took him quite some time to develop an interest in fashion, and it was only while studying for a Masters in photography that he took notice of fashion photography. He then moved from Italy to Paris where he worked for five years at a trend forecasting agency.
“This experience was extremely valuable, as I had no proper education in fashion and I was very eager to learn,” he recalled in an interview with The Association of Illustrators. “It was an important period that paved the way to my career as an illustrator, as I met other creatives working for the same agency as freelancers. While I was still working for this agency, I opened my blog exclusively dedicated to fashion illustration.” According to Lo Iacono, “everything developed naturally from there.”
He has since worked with a wide range of clients including fashion designers, high-end department stores, and fashion magazines. Some of his fashion illustrations have also been exposed during the second edition of DDessin, the contemporary drawing fair in Paris.
“I think everyone who wants to work as an illustrator needs to be hard-working and very patient,” he says. “There are no short cuts, it takes a lot of time and effort. But if (like me) you really love it, if it is your dream, then you will find your way to it.”
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