You may not be familiar with the name, James Jean, but you have probably seen the impact of his illustration work in fashion.
Prada's Fairy Bag
His works can be found in various magazines, Society of Illustrators, a prominent illustration annual, and as of February 2008 as the theme of Prada’s spring collection. It was through Jean’s collaboration with Prada that his artwork now adorns Prada purses, dresses, skirts, print tops, shoes and other accessories.
Yet the talented Jean’s didn’t stop at custom artwork for the company, he also created the film “Trembled Blossoms” to help promote the products. It was this video along with the fashion art Jean’s created that helped attract a broader audience to the Prada company. Not only were original buyers still interested in the Prada line, but also a new market was enticed by the apparel that had his artwork displayed upon it.
Prada’s hiring of Jean to create fashion art was a successful component of their overall marketing strategy. Not only did he create a larger following for their product, but the relationship also allowed Jean to create vivid and delicate illustrations fit specifically for fashion. His move into fashion, reaching a much larger audience, helped promote all genres of Jean’s art establishing him as premier illustrator worldwide.
Turning art into fashion is an opportunity for talented illustration professionals to build a much broader audience while producing revenue. Check out the “Tremble Blossoms” video below:
About Lauren Dimberg
Lauren Dimberg is a current Illustration/Communication Arts student at Savannah College of Art and Design. She grew up in a small town in Vermont, but knew she needed a more stimulating environment to receive her BFA which led her to further her education at one of America’s top design schools, SCAD. Though her works are predominately graphic she is conscientious of the latest fashion trends thanks to her social network of creative individuals majoring in fashion and photography.
