Live & Illustrated with Elizaveta Konelskaia
Live event fashion illustrator Elizaveta Konelskaia has made a name for herself capturing unforgettable moments at royal weddings, private ceremonies, and luxury brand events worldwide. Working throughout the UAE, she has illustrated live at some of the region’s most prestigious gatherings, from opulent weddings to high-profile brand activations. In this interview, she shares her journey into live events, the joy of sketching in real time, and the challenges of bringing fashion to life on the spot.
What first drew you to the world of fashion illustration? When did you decide to illustrate at live events?
My passion for art and fashion has always been instinctive - it’s something I love deeply, and combining the two felt natural. My journey into live events began in 2018 when a local Emirati woman invited me to her henna party, a pre-wedding ladies-only gathering. She asked me to sketch her guests in a fashion style during the ceremony, which turned out to be a huge success. Guests enjoyed being captured in their beautiful outfits, and this marked the start of my career as a fashion artist in the UAE. From there, I was invited to events across the UAE, including royal weddings and private ceremonies in palaces. I’m proud to have pioneered the trend of fashion wedding artists in the Emirates, a role that has since taken me Globally.
How would you describe your artistic style, and what are its defining elements?
My style is expressive and lively, often characterised by bold lines, vibrant colours, and a decorative, stylised approach. I focus on capturing the movement of fabric and infusing my work with dynamic energy. When working from a reference, I like to enhance the piece by adding imaginative details to make it unique and alive. I’m also constantly evolving - exploring new styles, techniques, and materials. Each project presents a challenge that sharpens my skills and allows me to adapt to clients’ needs.
Are there any fashion designers or artists who inspire your work?
I find inspiration in the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements, particularly the works of Erté, René Gruau, and Alphonse Mucha. I also admire Francis Marshall, whose elegant and dynamic fashion sketches captured the essence of mid-20th-century fashion. A pivotal moment for me was meeting Megan Hess in 2019 before my first live sketching event with Chopard. Her guidance and insights boosted my confidence, and the event turned out to be a major success.
What tools or mediums do you prefer for illustrating fashion? Does your choice change for live events?
I work with a mix of traditional and digital tools, but watercolours remain my favourite medium due to their unpredictability and lightness. My top materials are pencils, watercolours, and ink. For live events, I often create monochrome sketches, using diluted inks or watercolours to add quick gradients and depth. This approach allows me to work efficiently while maintaining artistic quality. My latest passion is using acrylics on large canvas allowing my brush to move on its own.
How do you translate textures, fabrics, and details into your illustrations? Do you adapt this approach for live events?
When I illustrate, I strive to evoke the essence of a model or garment, sometimes creating a whimsical, magical world around it. I also put my feelings into the drawing and evoke a fairytale experience. For personal projects, I focus heavily on intricate details like fabric patterns, embroidery, or jewellery. However, live events demand a different approach. With limited time, I simplify my style, opting for minimalist imagery that leaves room for the viewer’s imagination and their excitement is seeing their image come to life.
What advice do you have for artists entering the world of live event work?
Preparation is key. Practice quick sketching to build confidence, and focus on showcasing your strengths during events. This ensures you can deliver impressive work despite time constraints.
What’s the most challenging part of illustrating at live events?
The biggest challenge is resisting the urge to get lost in the details - it’s easy to lose track of time. To avoid this, I concentrate on capturing the pose first and work on keeping the atmosphere lively by interacting with guests.
Which brands or collections do you enjoy illustrating the most, and why?
Since 2018, I’ve developed a versatile skill set, enabling me to sketch a person’s likeness in under seven minutes or illustrate intricate jewellery designs. For instance, I’ve sketched Graff’s diamond creations worth up to $20+ million at private events and luxury watches by Bovet, which led to a personal meeting with their owner, Mr. Raffy. I also enjoy capturing traditional fashion, such as abayas and Emirati jewellery, as it feels like a journey through history.
Finally, I have had the honour of collaborating with some of my favourite brands, including Dior, Tiffany & Co., Fendi, Cartier, Piaget, Graff, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chopard and many more. What makes working with them so fulfilling is the opportunity to immerse myself in their world of couture, exploring their artistic vision, distinctive colour palettes, exquisite designs, and the inspiring stories behind these iconic brands. It's a privilege to witness the craftsmanship and dedication of the people who bring such elegance and extravagance to life.
What are some of your most memorable projects and live events?
Louvre Abu Dhabi “Forbes Women”: I was honoured to sketch women entrepreneurs from around the world, celebrating their empowerment through art.
Dior Boutique Grand Opening Mall of the Emirates (MOE): For the opening of their largest one-floor boutique inspired by 30 Avenue Montaigne, I created artistic concepts for VIP clients.
Dubai World Cup 2024: Hired by EMAAR, I sketched their VIP guests live during this unforgettable event.
Abu Dhabi Culture at ATM: Representing UAE heritage, I collaborated with Emirati women to showcase traditional crafts through art at the Arabian Travel Market.
See more of Elizaveta Konelskaia:
Instagram: fashionsketchdubai ,
Email: eliza@fashionsketchdubai.com
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