Interview con Richard Haines

What I saw behind the scenes of Pennyblack

When art meets fashion

The italian brand Pennyblack will launch soon its new editorial project. Magalog (from magazine and catalog) will feature in the first issue the sketches of the Spring Summer 2010 collection, by famous New Yorker fashion illustrator Richard Haines.

The brand, that has already collaborated with the artist for the creation of a silk scarf for Vogue Fashion’s Night Out, has asked him also to paint all over the walls of the shop for the Preview Party. It will be at the flagship store in C.so Vittorio Emanuele with Piazza Liberty on Thursday the 4th of February from 06:30 to 08:30 pm. Other than admiring the “Behind the scenes” drawings, it will be possible to purchase the limited edition t-shirts created for the event.

Richard Haines was kind enough to release an interview for Design42Day. I met him at the lobby of his hotel in Duomo and then we walked towards Brera where we bought some art supplies. We stopped at the closest bar and sat at a tiny table in the corner. We ordered coffee and pizza – How Italian…

Hi Richard. Thank you for meeting me. I’ve been looking forward to discussing your intriguing work. How would you describe it?

It’s very personal. I illustrate what inspires me: the vibrant street life of New York, a constant visual parade. I do what I always loved about fashion, capturing the gesture, the second, the way people stand in their clothes and seduce.

What did you do before What I Saw Today?

I studied Graphic Arts at Virginia’s Commonwealth University. I always illustrated on my own and, even if it was what I wanted to do, when I arrived to New York everything was switching to photography, so I decided to start drawing clothing.

You have worked with Calvin Klein, Sean ‘P.Diddy’ Combs, Perry Ellis and many others. How did they contribute to form the artist we know today?

I learnt a lot from each of them, especially from a technical point of view. They all influenced me in a way. Calvin Klein is a minimalist, very simple and very “America”; on the other hand, Perry is very preppy, alive, young and fun. I really enjoyed working with Sean Combs, as well. He knows what he wants and gets the most from the people around him. More than what they singularly gave me, though, I realized that drawing is telling information. Also, the importance of knowing, how much you want to say to the viewer and, most of all, what.

In your blog you say that you were the only kid in Springfield with a subscription to French Vogue. When did your love for fashion start?

I always loved it, from the moment I could pick up a pencil! At the kindergarten I was the only child who would draw wedding dresses on his notebook. My mother saved some, I guess… The first time I saw Vogue I was 16 I thought it was a revelation. For me, it was not only glamour, but an escape from reality.

From your illustration I gathered that you really like colors. What if you had to chose one?

This is hard! I’ll be dramatic: I can’t exist without navy blue! My father was a military officer in the navy and as a kid I loved his uniforms, the gold of the buttons and the deep navy blue. I chose this color for its connotations.

Menswear has changed very quickly recently and you have certainly been able to document it wonderfully. What do you think has been the biggest style revolution?

American men are much more comfortably fashionable. Especially New Yorkers are more stylish, because there is more choice. Just few nights ago, for example, I went to a party in Brooklyn and guys really put their looks together.

What do you see in the wardrobe of tomorrow?

I think it’s a question of understanding how clothes fit and Americans are getting more and more aware of it. It will be a matter of quality and style.

During your career you have illustrated hundreds of people. Is there someone you wish you could have portrayed?

My fantasy would be to sketch people like Cocteau, Schiaparelli and Chanel. I love the creative curiosity that invested the artists and designers of the 1930s.

In your drawings I saw many types of men. What catches your attention to make you want to illustrate them?

It’s certainly the line and the attitude.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The way it opened up my life. So many more people in a very vain egotistical way. People appreciate me in a very genuine way and this makes me happy.

One last question. What do you like the most in what you do?

When I sketch people I get to meet them, talk with them and they open up. It’s fantastic to have that exchange. It’s not just about fashion, it’s the person behind that.

See you on Thursday, then!

Of course! Ciao!

So tomorrow dress up for the event and when you go back home check http://designerman-whatisawtoday.blogspot.com/ – your sketch might be there!