Read my new interview for the Dolce&Gabbana Swide.com
Ready for the illustrations of Mélique Street, whose work is brimming with the right amounts of class and sass? Marcus Kan brings her world to Swide’s pages.
Recently, I have been attracted to classic elegant fashion illustrations. Few months ago, I discovered the world of Mélique Street and her works have constantly amazed me in every possible way. Today, it’s an honor for me to introduce you to Marina, the creator behind this imaginary fashion illustration street.
Marina, it’s great to have you on Swide this week. You are one of the latest artists who has been on my radar since earlier this year. So, what was the main reason why you wanted to do fashion illustration?
First of all, I’m a fashion designer, and the embodiment of any design idea always starts with a sketch. This is why I always pay serious attention to this stage of work. It’s always interesting to sketch an idea schematically in a couple of minutes and then start to develop it in details: make many variations of the cut, pick colors, and of course find an appropriate artistic image for the garment. When you put your dress into a certain atmosphere on a piece of paper, you begin to see more clearly the final goal – how it should look like in reality. Gradually, I started to draw my favorite designers’ clothes. Besides, it’s always interesting to study fashion from illustrations. In the 20th century, fashion or even car magazines, were completely painted. It was a wonderful time with great masters of illustration such as René Gruau or Constance Wibaut. From the contemporaries, David Downton helps me to see the level to which I should strive. He’s a great artist!
Based on your works, I can definitely see your style is influenced by René Gruau and David Downton. Now I am curious, why do you use Mélique Street as your artist name? Is there a particular meaning to that?
Mélique refers to the first part of my surname (Marina Meliksetova) and street could have many meanings. It can be a street in a world of fashion. After the artwork I created is published to the public, it becomes a part of a limited number of inhabitants on the Mélique street.
Ah, that’s an interesting meaning of your artist name and I like it a lot! What words do you use to describe your illustration style?
Right now I’m in a constant state of searching, trying different materials and new techniques. Also, my style varies slightly depending on what I’m drawing and for whom, but whatever stylization I tried, it always stays elegant and refined.
I would also say your style is very calssic, as it constantly reminds me of the old fashion works in the 20th century. Aside from fashion, I also know that you like architecture. How does architecture influence your illustration style?
Architecture affects my style in fashion design rather than in fashion illustration. I love to transfer geometric constructions of buildings into clothing patterns, and adapt them to the female figure.
I also find your illustrations to be very precise and technical, which I believe this may have something to do with your architecture knowledge as well. Speaking of architecture, who are your favorite architects? Why are you attracted to their works?
The first architect who I noticed when I was a child is Antonio Gaudi. He created an unique fantastic world. During my time at the fashion college, the theme of my graduation collection was based on his work. At that time, his approach to the elaboration of design became very close and clear to me. I began to seek more and more inspiration in nature. In addition to the ideal bio-forms of his buildings, he made stunning decor in the form of skeletons and plants and it was always very beautiful in both the architecture world and fashion world! Another favorite architect, Santiago Calatrava, is also searching inspiration in nature, but his style is very different. His buildings and bridges are absolutely futuristic. When I walked in his “City of Arts and Sciences” in Valencia, it seemed like all these buildings were about to take off into space as alien ships. Recently, I often think about Calatrava when I draw, because the outlines and reliefs of his stunning architecture really influences me.
Based on what you just said, now I understand why your works are infused with the calssic and futuristic elements. I know you have illustrated a lot of supermodels in your works, so as of this moment, which models are your favourites? Why?
I couldn’t choose only one. For example, I like Ginta Lapina, I love her hair, it’s like a sheet of white paper. It’s hard to explain why she’s my favorite, it’s just that one day I saw her in a Dolce&Gabbana show and wanted to draw her. Also, I love Saskia de Brauw for a very long time. She has a fabulous characteristic appearance and I like her male image. Then, there is also the energetic Coco Rocha…
Saskia de Brauw is also my favourite! She has this boyish vibe that will completely get your full attention. On your instagram account, there are a lot of original fashion design sketches that are inspired by objects or other designer collections. Do you have the plan to become a fashion designer in the future as well?
Become a designer – is the most important part of my plan.
I love those original sketches so I am sure you will become a successful fashion designer one day! Good luck! Last but not least, what was the inspiration behind this Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2014 illustration?
I imagined how Domenico and Stefano were working on those dresses, I thought about the working process of their work.
